Four migrants from Birbhum, including two minors, spent over a year in Bangladesh before being repatriated through the Malda border on July 8, 2026. Their return was secured after Supreme Court intervention and political advocacy by Trinamool leaders.
Four Bengali migrants – Sweety Bibi, her two minor sons, and Sunali Khatun with her minor child – were detained by Delhi Police in 2025 and expelled to Bangladesh as illegal migrants. After more than a year in exile, they crossed back into India via the international border in Malda district on Wednesday, July 8, 2026.
Background and Initial Detention
In mid‑2025, the Delhi police classified the four individuals as undocumented entrants and handed them over to Bangladeshi authorities. Human‑rights groups immediately raised concerns, noting that the migrants possessed valid Indian documents. Sunali Khatun was heavily pregnant at the time, and her unborn child’s citizenship status became a focal point of legal debate.
Legal Battle and Supreme Court Intervention
Advocates in West Bengal filed petitions challenging the deportation. In December 2025, the Supreme Court ordered the Bangladeshi government to return Sunali Khatun and her son, warning that any child born on Bangladeshi soil to an Indian mother would retain Indian citizenship. Despite the court’s directive, Bangladeshi officials delayed the hand‑over, extending the ordeal to a full year.
Repatriation Process at Malda Border
On July 8, 2026, Bangladeshi officials finally presented the four migrants with proper identification and clearance documents. Indian Border Security Force personnel received them at Malda, processed their entry, and escorted them to the nearest police station for formalities. The group released a video pleading with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for assistance, which helped accelerate their return.
Political Reaction and Societal Impact
Trinamool Congress leader Samirul Islam praised the judiciary’s role, stating, “While deportation of illegal migrants is permissible, genuine Indian citizens must never face injustice.” His remarks sparked a broader debate on India’s immigration enforcement and the need for humane treatment of nationals abroad.
Future Implications and Policy Recommendations
This episode underscores the necessity for a robust bilateral protocol between India and Bangladesh to handle deportations swiftly and transparently. Legal scholars recommend establishing a joint rapid‑response mechanism and strengthening the West Bengal Migrant Welfare Board to provide immediate relief to stranded citizens. Such steps could prevent protracted legal battles and safeguard the rights of Indian nationals caught in cross‑border disputes.