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Illegal Bangladeshi Family Raises Voter List Mystery in Bengal

A Bangladeshi family led by Taraknath Dhali has been discovered living in North 24 Parganas with voter lists in two countries. The Kolkata Police have initiated an investigation into their citizenship status and potential electoral fraud. The family, including doctor Gautam Dhali, claims to have been residing in Bengal for over a decade. Local authorities are now examining their documents and questioning the family's legal right to remain in India.

Key Points: Bangladeshi Family Voter List Controversy North 24 Parganas

  • Bangladeshi family found with voter lists in both countries
  • Police launch investigation into citizenship status
  • Family possesses Aadhaar and voter cards illegally
  • Locals raise questions about family's unauthorized residence
3 min read

Police starts investigation into family residing illegally in Bengal

Kolkata Police investigates Bangladeshi family with voter cards in two countries, raising citizenship and electoral fraud concerns.

"We have received reports that a family from Bangladesh has been living illegally in the country. - Senior Police Officer, North 24 Parganas"

Kolkata, Oct 18

The Kolkata Police, on Saturday, began its investigation into allegations that a family hailing from Bangladesh, which has been living in the country for several years, have their names included in the voter's list in West Bengal.

The incident created an uproar in Gobardanga of North 24 Parganas district, which shares an international border with neighbouring Bangladesh.

It was found that the entire family's name is registered in the voter list of Satkhira in Bangladesh.

At the same time, the names of the family are also registered in the voter list of this country. They possess voters' and Aadhaar cards in their names.

Gautam Dhali, a doctor by profession, and his family are living in this country illegally.

The police visited the family's residence to gather information regarding the allegations levelled earlier on Saturday morning.

According to police sources, Taraknath Dhali is a voter at booth number 164 of Bergum-2 Gram Panchayat under Gobardanga police station.

After police search, it was found that Taraknath and his family's names are also included in the voter list of both the countries.

Locals said that Taraknath's son Gautam Dhali, is a doctor by profession, and the family is well-known in the area.

The locals raised questions about the citizenship of the entire family.

"We have received reports that a family from Bangladesh has been living illegally in the country. We have visited their house and collected documents. All the documents will be verified before taking any action. The family members are being questioned. We are currently investigating the matter," said a senior officer of North 24 Parganas district police.

Speaking to media persons, Gautam's father Taraknath said that he came to Bengal from Bangladesh about 10 years ago.

Later, Gautam has been living in North 24 Parganas district but did not give details about how he got a voter card and Aadhaar card.

"I have not returned to Bangladesh for many years. I have been living here since last 10 years," he said.

It is not clear whether the family will apply for citizenship under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).

Locals said that not only Taraknath, but several of his relatives have recently come to this country from Bangladesh and registered their names in the voter list.

Regarding the incident, the head of the local panchayat, Jhuma Ghosh, said, "I was not aware of the incident. I came to know about it through the media. The administration will be informed immediately."

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Being a doctor and well-known in the area doesn't excuse illegal residence. The law should be same for everyone. Hope police takes strict action.
A
Arjun K
This is exactly why we need NRC across India. So many people living illegally and even getting voter and Aadhaar cards! System needs complete overhaul.
S
Sarah B
While illegal immigration is a serious issue, we should also consider the humanitarian aspect. The family has been here for 10 years and the son is serving as a doctor. Maybe they should be given a chance to regularize their status through proper channels.
V
Vikram M
The local panchayat head saying "I was not aware" shows how casual our system is. These officials should be held accountable too! 😠
K
Kavya N
This case highlights a bigger problem in border states. We need better coordination between election commission and immigration authorities. One person, one vote should mean something!
M
Michael C
The article mentions they might apply under CAA. If they're eligible, they should follow the legal process instead of living illegally. Due process exists for a reason.

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