The BJP government in West Bengal, led by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, has initiated the process of deporting alleged Bangladeshi migrants from the state under a newly enacted law.

Returning from a visit to North Bengal, the Chief Minister held a press conference at Nabanna on Wednesday, announcing that individuals not covered under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) will be arrested and handed over directly to the Border Security Force (BSF).

Suvendu stated that the Government of India had issued a directive on May 14, 2025, to hand over alleged illegal Bangladeshi migrants directly to the BSF. He criticized the previous administration, stating, "Our predecessor government opposed giving refugees CAA protection on one hand, while failing to utilize this crucial law on the other. Upon coming to power for the first time in the state, the BJP government has implemented this law."

Explaining the enforcement parameters, Suvendu clarified that the police cannot harass or detain anyone who arrived in West Bengal on or before December 31, 2024.

However, those who do not fall under the purview of the CAA are deemed entirely illegal migrants. The state police will arrest them directly and transfer custody to the BSF.

Deportation arrangements will subsequently be coordinated through bilateral discussions with Bangladesh's border guard agency, the BGB.

"In short: Detect, Delete, and Deport," the Chief Minister stated, adding that the law has been enforced across all border-adjacent police stations in the interest of the state and the nation.

Necessary directives have already been issued to the Director General of State Police (DG) and the Chief Secretary.

Land Transfer to BSF and Statewide Crackdowns
During his North Bengal tour on Wednesday, the Chief Minister held a meeting with the BSF and officially handed over 27 kilometers of state land to the border force.

"By building a robust bond with the BSF, we will secure both our state and the country," Suvendu remarked.

The land transfer to the BSF was approved during the very first cabinet meeting after the BJP government was formed in the state.

The previous government had long withheld this land allocation, which is required to install barbed-wire fencing along unsecured border stretches.

Meanwhile, a massive crackdown has been launched across the state to identify illegal Bangladeshi migrants.

Numerous individuals are reportedly being arrested on suspicion of being Bangladeshi nationals. House owners are also being detained for allegedly providing shelter to these migrants.

These rapid developments have triggered panic among general minority communities, amid allegations that individuals are facing mounting pressure to vacate their homes.