Bhubaneswar, February 3: For the first time in Odisha, the Bhubaneswar court on Tuesday sentenced nine Bangladeshi nationals to two years of rigorous imprisonment for illegally entering India and engaging in criminal activities at Bhubaneswar Railway Station.

The SDJM Court pronounced the verdict against Md. Hassim and eight other accused were found guilty under Section 14 of the Foreigners Act.

In addition to the jail term, each convicted individual was fined Rs. 10,000. In case of default on the fine, they will face an additional three months' imprisonment.

The case dates back to March 8, 2025, when the Special Task Force (STF) received credible intelligence about ten Bangladeshi nationals staying at the Bhubaneswar Railway Station without valid travel documents such as passports or visas. Acting on the tip-off, the STF, assisted by GRP personnel, raided Platform No. 1 and found the suspects seated there. Upon questioning, the individuals gave conflicting answers and even attempted to flee. However, they eventually admitted to being from Bangladesh and claimed that they had come to Bhubaneswar to settle.

Among those detained were three women and a juvenile. A search of their belongings led to the recovery of Bangladeshi currency (Taka), Indian rupees, and seven mobile phones. The accused were then taken into custody and brought to the STF Police Station for further questioning.

The case was investigated by Officer Manoj Kumar Sethy, who filed the charge sheet.

Public Prosecutor Rashmi Ranjan Brahma conducted the trial, resulting in the conviction of all nine accused individuals.