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Migrant workers from West Bengal seek police protection in Bengaluru fearing harassment

February 3, 2026

A group of migrant families living in Lakshmi Nagar within Gangamma Gudi police station limits have sought police protection, citing fear of harassment and false allegations that they are illegal immigrants from Bangladesh.

The workers alleged that they were falsely identified as Bangladeshi nationals by “politically motivated locals”. .

In a letter sent to DL Nagesh, Deputy Commissioner of Police (North West Division), the families said they were living in constant anxiety following incidents of alleged targeting of migrant workers from West Bengal in parts of the city.

The complaint was filed by Rashikul Sheik, a scrap and rag picker working within the GBA limits, on behalf of 33 migrant families currently living in the area. The families said they were all originally from West Bengal’s Nadia district and had lived and worked in Bengaluru for nearly 18 years, including the last 18 months in Lakshmi Nagar, until recently without any problems.

The families stressed that all the members are law-abiding Indian citizens employed in the unorganized sector as daily wage laborers and have Aadhaar cards and voter ID cards to prove their citizenship.

They said they are willing to cooperate with any verification process and submit all necessary documents if needed. Seeking intervention, the group asked the police to provide protection to their families, prevent harassment and intimidation and ensure they are allowed to live and work in the city in peace and dignity.

Published – 02 Feb 2026 21:46 IST

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