250 migrants released, 10 still in custody amid verification drive

GURUGRAM: Over 250 migrant workers who were detained by Gurugram Police — targeting alleged illegal immigrants from Bangladesh — in the past week have finally been released after a prolonged verification process while 10 individuals were purportedly identified as Bangladeshi nationals and illegal residents.

- Leena Dhankhar

Police said they remain in custody and will be sent back to their native places.

Those who have been released said they had valid Aadhaar cards and other documents, but were still held in police detention centres for up to four days. “I had my Aadhaar card and even rent receipts. Still, I was kept inside for three days. My employer eventually called the SHO (station house officer) to confirm I worked for them. We are treated like outsiders even though we contribute to this city’s daily functioning,” Rahim Sheikh, a sweeper from Badshahpur, said, adding that his wife went to multiple police stations looking for him.

Four makeshift detention centres have been set up across the city where the workers were held. Detainees and their families claimed they received no clarity about the duration or reason for their detention, resulting in widespread panic and fear. Meanwhile, officials said the district administration arranged for food and basic necessities for those held in detention centres.