Bhubaneswar, Nov 18: A large-scale operation targeting suspected Bangladeshi infiltrators is currently underway across several districts in Odisha, including Jagatsinghpur, Bhadrak, Kendrapara, and Keonjhar. In response to stringent directives from the Odisha Government, district administration officials have mobilised swiftly to conduct raids aimed at identifying potential infiltrators.

In Jagatsinghpur, police demolished a suspected hideout in the Berhampur area, arresting four individuals believed to be infiltrators. Meanwhile, in Bhadrak, law enforcement agencies detained 17 youths who had been under surveillance for several days. These suspects had reportedly been operating in various parts of the city, often engaging in local business activities.

In Keonjhar, authorities declared a 12-hour bandh to facilitate the crackdown, during which schools, markets, and transport services were halted. The bandh aimed to ensure the smooth execution of police operations and restrict the movement of the suspects.

State Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan warned that the government would continue to take firm action against illegal migrants. He reaffirmed Odisha's commitment to removing all suspected Bangladeshi infiltrators from the state.

"Strict action will be taken against the intruders, and the process has already begun. We are identifying the infiltrators, and necessary steps will be taken to deport them," the Law Minister said.

Authorities confirmed that the coordinated raids and arrests would continue across the state to ensure that suspected infiltrators are located, detained, and expelled from Odisha.