According to authorities, seven FIRs have been filed at several police stations in Jammu against individuals who are allegedly involved in giving Rohingyas shelter and government benefits. Several searches were conducted in various areas within the Jammu district, leading to the lodging of FIRs at various police stations, including Satwari, Trikuta Nagar, Bagh-e-Bahu, Channi Himmat, Nowabad, Domana, and Nagrota, according to a police spokeswoman.
The official stated that FIRs had been filed against individuals who are alleged to have sheltered foreign nationals and assisted them in obtaining government benefits.
Searches were carried out in the presence of magistrates at several locations where the Rohingyas are housed as well as at the facilitators’ residence.
Officials state that during searches, they seized fraudulently obtained Indian documents such as PAN cards, Adhaar cards, and bank documents, among other incriminating materials.
“Investigation into the matter has started and other details will be shared subsequently. Stringent action in the future shall be taken against all such defaulters,” the spokesperson said.
A day earlier, police in Kishtwar district filed a case after finding unlawfully obtained documents such as Adhaar cards during a raid on Rohingyas in the district.
At police station Dachhan, the case was filed under many sections of the Indian Penal Code, including 467 (forgery of vital papers), 468 (forgery with the intent to deceive), 471 (using a forged document as genuine), and 420 (cheating).
The Rohingyas are a Muslim minority from Myanmar who speak Bengali language. Many Rohingyas fled persecution in their country and sought refuge in Jammu and other regions of India by entering the nation illegally through Bangladesh.
Government data indicates that approximately 13,700 foreigners, including of Rohingya Muslims and citizens of Bangladesh, have made their home in Jammu and other districts of Jammu & Kashmir. Between 2008 and 2016, the number of foreigners in these areas increased by more than 6,000.
During a verification drive earlier in March 2021, police discovered around 250 Rohingyas—including women and children—living illegally in Jammu city. They were then placed in a holding centre inside Sub-jail Kathua.
