Sun Dec 29 22:21:00 UTC 2024: **West Bengal Police Chief Addresses Security Concerns Amidst Bangladesh Instability**

KOLKATA, India (December 30, 2024) – West Bengal Director General of Police (DGP) Rajeev Kumar assured the public on Sunday that the volatile situation in neighboring Bangladesh will not be allowed to destabilize West Bengal. While acknowledging “lapses” in border security resulting in some Bangladeshi nationals entering the state, Kumar emphasized that specialized police teams have been effective in apprehending and neutralizing these individuals. He noted the recent arrest of a Kashmiri militant linked to a terrorist organization, highlighting the police’s role in tracking and apprehending the suspect.

The DGP also addressed a recent fake passport scam, resulting in numerous arrests. The scam involved Bangladeshi nationals obtaining fraudulent identities to remain in India and travel internationally. Approximately 70 fake passports were seized. Kumar stated that the West Bengal Police have requested the Ministry of External Affairs to strengthen passport verification processes, proposing a system involving greater police agency involvement. The kingpin of the passport racket, Manoj Gupta, was arrested on Sunday.

Kumar further emphasized the West Bengal police’s strong record in combating extremist elements and urged against media exaggeration of the situation. The DGP was accompanied by Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Verma and Jawed Shamim, Additional Director General and Inspector General of the State Intelligence Branch. The 2,216 km border with Bangladesh has seen increased activity following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina regime in August.

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