Bengaluru, August 8:Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge on Saturday said authorities have identified around 1,000 suspected illegal immigrants in the state over the past three months as part of intensified screening operations.

Kharge said the verification drive is focused on identifying individuals suspected to have entered India illegally, including those from Bangladesh and African countries. He stressed that the government would adopt a strict, zero-tolerance approach and that the exercise would continue on a regular basis rather than being limited to a short-term campaign.

“We are conducting a strict and serious search operation. Over the last three months, around 1,000 immigrants have been identified,” Kharge told reporters.

He said state law enforcement agencies are coordinating with the Border Security Force (BSF) and officials of the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRO) to address the issue.

“We are already in touch with the BSF and also with the FRO officials. We are taking 100 per cent care of this issue. This is not something we will do for a week and then stop. It has to be carried out continuously. If necessary, we will form a team. Most importantly, the Central Government needs to assist us on this issue,” he said.

Kharge also questioned how suspected illegal immigrants were reaching Karnataka, which does not share an international border. He said the Centre must ensure effective border security and examine whether such individuals are entering through states bordering neighbouring countries.

“Our state does not share an international border. We do not share a border with Bangladesh, Nepal or any other country. But if they are entering the state, where are they coming from? Are they coming through Tripura, Assam or West Bengal?” he asked.

The minister maintained that border security falls under the responsibility of the Central Government and suggested that the movement of illegal immigrants across state borders also needs greater scrutiny.

He further appealed to citizens to share credible information with government authorities instead of resorting to abusive or inflammatory posts on social media amid growing online discussions about the issue.