Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Thursday announced a statewide exercise to identify foreign nationals residing in the state without valid documents, alongside inspections of chemical factories to prevent illegal drug manufacturing.
Speaking to reporters, Parameshwara said police have been directed to verify the presence of Bangladeshi nationals and other foreigners allegedly staying unlawfully. He stressed that action would be taken against anyone found violating immigration laws. “Whether the number is small or large, those staying illegally must be identified and deported,” he said.
Claims versus official records
Addressing claims that Karnataka hosts nearly 20 lakh illegal Bangladeshi nationals, the minister said official records do not support such figures. “As per our data, around 370 people have been deported so far. The Foreigners Regional Registration Office records also do not show such a large number,” he noted, while reiterating that enforcement would continue regardless of estimates.
Chemical factory inspections to curb drug misuse
In parallel, police have been instructed to survey chemical factories, especially within the Bengaluru Police Commissionerate limits. Authorities are collecting details on factory locations, nature of production and validity of trade licences. “This is to ensure industrial units are not misused for drug manufacturing,” Parameshwara said, adding that inspections would be carried out rigorously.
Recruitment and infrastructure demands
The home department has also prepared its budgetary demands for submission to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who holds the finance portfolio. Parameshwara said priorities include new recruitments, opening of additional police stations and strengthening infrastructure.
High Court scrutiny
The enforcement push follows observations by the Karnataka High Court, which recently directed the government to place on record concrete steps taken to track overstaying foreign nationals in Bengaluru. The court raised concerns during hearings related to alleged visa violations and lapses in FRRO registration, calling the state’s earlier silence on the issue “surprising”.