83 Bangladeshi Nationals Detained in East Delhi for Illegal Stay, 94,000 Packs of Foreign Cigarettes Seized, One Man Found Murdered in Metro Vihar
In a major crackdown across the capital, Delhi Police apprehended dozens of illegal immigrants, busted a foreign cigarette smuggling racket, and launched a murder investigation—all within a span of 24 hours.
83 Bangladeshi Nationals Held for Illegal Stay in East Delhi
New Delhi – In a coordinated police operation, 83 Bangladeshi nationals, including 33 minors, were detained from East Delhi localities on charges of illegally residing in India, officials confirmed on Sunday.
Key Highlights:
- Total Detained: 83 individuals (44 women, 39 men, 33 minors)
- Locations: Mandawali, Mayur Vihar, Kalyanpuri, Ghazipur, Anand Vihar
- Recovered Evidence: Mobile phones with Bangladeshi documents and photos
- Entry Route: Unauthorized riverine routes along the Indo-Bangladesh border
- Legal Action: Deportation initiated via Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO)
According to Delhi Police, the action was part of a special drive launched in November 2024 to identify illegal foreign nationals residing in the national capital. This latest raid brings the total number of detained Bangladeshi nationals under the drive to 120.
A senior police officer stated, “Acting on intelligence inputs, raids were conducted on June 24 across identified East Delhi areas. Many of those detained lacked valid identification or travel documents.”
Deportation procedures have reportedly been initiated in consultation with FRRO officials.
94,000 Packs of Banned Foreign Cigarettes Seized in Vasant Kunj, Two Arrested
New Delhi – In a separate raid, Delhi Police busted a massive cigarette smuggling racket, recovering nearly 94,000 packs of banned foreign cigarettes from a godown in South Delhi’s Vasant Kunj area.
Accused:
- Parikshit (22): Local resident, learned the trade from his father in the airport import-export business
- PP Chengappa (40): Native of Karnataka, allegedly involved in logistics and distribution
Police said the cigarette packs bore no statutory warnings, health advisories, or MRP, violating the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA).
The godown, located in the basement of a residential building, was reportedly being used as a hub to import foreign brands from countries like Greece and Dubai, which were then distributed across Delhi-NCR and South India.
According to investigators, Chengappa was allegedly working with a Bengaluru-based man named Sunil, who runs a cargo and courier business. Police believe Sunil is the key link in the interstate smuggling operation, and efforts are underway to trace his whereabouts.
An FIR has been registered at Vasant Kunj South Police Station under relevant sections of COTPA.
30-Year-Old Waiter Found Murdered in Metro Vihar Home
New Delhi – In a separate and disturbing incident, a 30-year-old man identified as Sunil Mandal was found dead with his throat slit inside his rented accommodation in Metro Vihar, Delhi, on Sunday morning.
Case Details:
- Victim: Sunil Mandal, 30
- Occupation: Waiter
- Native: Darbhanga, Bihar
- Location: House No. A-907, Metro Vihar
- Time Discovered: Around 7:40 AM on June 29
Police said Mandal lived alone in the ground-floor unit of a residential building. His body was discovered with deep cuts on his neck, and initial reports suggest a homicide.
A forensic team reached the spot and collected material for evidence analysis. No arrests have been made so far, and officials stated that the motive behind the killing remains unclear.
The case has been registered and is under active investigation. Nearby residents are being questioned and CCTV footage from the vicinity is being reviewed.
Why These Stories Matter
These three developments highlight key law enforcement challenges in Delhi:
- Illegal immigration poses national security and demographic concerns.
- Smuggling of foreign goods, especially banned tobacco products, affects public health and evades government taxes.
- Urban crimes, such as the murder in Metro Vihar, underline the need for community policing and fast-track investigations.
Together, they reflect the capital’s complex security and law enforcement landscape, with authorities working simultaneously across immigration control, contraband seizure, and criminal investigations.