Railway Protection Force Apprehends 916 Migrants Since 2021, Intensifies Vigilance Against Illegal Infiltration

The Railway Protection Force (RPF) has held 916 individuals, including 586 Bangladeshi nationals and 318 Rohingyas, since 2021, the Railway Ministry announced on Sunday (19 January)

In June and July 2024, the RPF detained 88 Bangladeshi and Rohingya illegal migrants in regions under the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR).

"Some of these individuals confessed to entering India illegally and were intercepted while travelling by train to destinations such as Kolkata," stated the ministry’s press release.

A report from October 2024 highlighted ongoing challenges despite heightened border security measures.

"Despite increased security measures along the Bangladesh border, illegal migrants continue to infiltrate India, using Assam as a transit route and railways as their preferred mode of travel to reach other parts of the country," the ministry noted.

The railway ministry emphasised the role of railways in facilitating unauthorised movement. "The use of railways by infiltrators not only facilitates their movement across states but also complicates efforts to detect and prevent unauthorised entry into the country," the statement added.

In response to these challenges, the RPF has strengthened its coordination with agencies such as the Border Security Force (BSF), local police, and intelligence units.

"This inter-agency approach has significantly enhanced operational efficiency, enabling swift identification and detention of individuals involved in illegal migration," the ministry highlighted.

However, the RPF faces limitations in prosecuting detainees. "Despite its significant contributions, the RPF is not directly empowered to prosecute apprehended individuals. Instead, detained persons are handed over to the police and other authorised agencies for further legal proceedings," the ministry clarified.