Mangaluru, July 13: Three more suspected Bangladeshi nationals were detained by Urwa police on Sunday as part of an ongoing verification drive targeting undocumented foreign nationals across the Mangaluru City Police Commissionerate.

The latest action comes days after eight Bangladeshi nationals were detained from a construction site in Mukka near Surathkal.

According to police, the Urwa team acted on specific information and conducted a verification drive at a construction site along the KPT–Kuntikana road. During the inspection, three workers were identified as Bangladeshi nationals allegedly residing in India without valid documents and were taken into custody for further legal proceedings.

Based on information gathered during the inquiry, police subsequently traced another group of eight individuals, who are currently being questioned to verify their identity, nationality and immigration status.

Mangaluru City Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy had, about a month ago, directed all police stations under the commissionerate to intensify efforts to identify undocumented foreign nationals. Following the operation in Mukka, the verification drive has been extended to several other areas, including Katipalla, Ullal, Bengre and the fishing harbour, where large numbers of migrant workers are employed.

Investigation into earlier detentions continues

The eight Bangladeshi nationals detained on July 9 from the Mukka construction site remain in police custody as investigations continue. Officials from the city police and intelligence units are jointly questioning them to ascertain the circumstances of their entry into India, identify any associates or facilitators, and verify possible links to broader networks involved in illegal migration.

Investigators are also examining the routes allegedly used to enter the country, the role of intermediaries who may have arranged employment, and financial transactions connected to the case.

Advisory to employers

Police have instructed officers to intensify inspections in sectors that employ large numbers of migrant workers, including construction, infrastructure projects, industries and fisheries.

Employers, contractors, builders and business establishments have been advised to verify the identity and supporting documents of their employees and to promptly inform the police if they suspect that any worker is residing in the country without valid authorisation.

The police have also appealed to the public to report any information regarding suspected undocumented foreign nationals to the nearest police station, assuring that the identity of informants will be kept confidential.