Assam police detain 22 suspected foreign nationals in Dhubri, locals allege harassment

In a surprise late-night crackdown, Dhubri Police launched an extensive operation across various parts of the district, detaining 22 individuals identified as suspected Bangladeshi nationals or D voters. The detainees are currently being held at the B.N. College police outpost under heightened security.

According to police sources, the operation targeted individuals suspected of being foreigners, but the move has sparked concern and confusion among local residents. 

Families of some detainees have claimed that several among them had already been declared Indian citizens by the Foreigners Tribunal, while others are either out on bail or have ongoing cases under tribunal consideration.

The abrupt nature of the police action has led to heightened anxiety in the district, with residents expressing fears of wrongful detentions and harassment. 

Local citizens have appealed to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to intervene, urging the state government to ensure that genuine Indian citizens are not subjected to undue hardship under the pretext of identifying illegal immigrants.

Despite the growing public unease, Dhubri Police have not yet issued an official statement regarding the specific objectives of the operation or the legal roadmap for those currently in custody.

As the interrogation of the 22 individuals continues, civil society groups and human rights advocates have called for transparency in the process and demanded that due legal procedures be upheld to prevent miscarriages of justice.