Dhaka, Apr 26 (V7N)- In a major crackdown on illegal immigration, more than 1,000 Bangladeshi nationals have been arrested in the western Indian state of Gujarat. The arrests took place during a joint operation carried out overnight on Friday (April 25) by the police forces of Ahmedabad and Surat, according to a report by India Today, citing the news agency PTI.

State Home Minister Harsh Sanghvi, who ordered the operation, termed it a "historic success." Officials reported that approximately 890 Bangladeshi nationals were detained in Ahmedabad city and another 134 in Surat. The arrested individuals include men, women, and children.

Minister Sanghvi has directed all illegal immigrants residing in Gujarat to voluntarily surrender to the police, warning that failure to comply would result in arrest and deportation. He also emphasized that strict legal action would be taken against anyone found providing shelter to illegal immigrants.

Surat Police Joint Commissioner Raghavendra Bhat stated, "We have achieved success in this coordinated operation involving multiple departments. The identities of the illegal immigrants are currently being verified, and once the process is complete, they will be repatriated to Bangladesh."

The Gujarat government reiterated its firm stance that illegal immigrants, as well as those aiding them, would face serious consequences under the law.

END/MSS/AJ