Rafikul Biswas, a West Bengal native living in Bengaluru, was detained again during 'Operation Mukta' despite the Karnataka High Court declaring his documents genuine. The 32-year-old man describes a harrowing cycle of harassment and identity crisis.

  • Rafikul Biswas was detained during Bengaluru police's 'Operation Mukta' drive.
  • The Karnataka High Court had recently declared his West Bengal voter card (EPIC) as 'genuine'.
  • The victim has suffered two heart attacks due to constant harassment and stress.
  • The ordeal began after an unknown person allegedly created a fake Bangladeshi ID in his name.

In a distressing turn of events, the Bengaluru police's crackdown on suspected illegal immigrants, titled 'Operation Mukta', has once again ensnared an innocent man. Rafikul Biswas, a 32-year-old resident of Nadia district, West Bengal, found himself back in custody just days after receiving legal vindication from the Karnataka High Court.

The High Court had previously ruled that the EPIC (voter card) issued to Biswas during a special intensive revision in West Bengal was entirely legitimate. However, the momentum of the police drive seemed to override judicial relief, leading to his re-detention on August 8, 2026. Biswas, who has lived in Bengaluru for 12 years, expressed profound despair, stating, "It is better I die. I cannot live under this pressure to prove I am an Indian."

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that such aggressive enforcement drives, while aimed at national security, can inadvertently create a climate of terror for legitimate citizens. The case of Rafikul Biswas highlights a terrifying vulnerability: how a single act of identity theft—a fake Bangladeshi ID created by an unknown perpetrator—can dismantle a man's life, career, and health.

"Every time someone asks us where we are from, our fear cannot be described. Once you say West Bengal and if you’re a Muslim, the instant reply is, ‘Go to Bangladesh’."

The physical toll of this legal battle has been catastrophic. Biswas reported suffering two heart attacks within an eleven-month period, one of which occurred while he was in police custody. He was subsequently rushed to Jayadeva Hospital for emergency treatment. The psychological trauma has forced him from a stable job as a school bus driver to the precarious life of a scrap collector.

Historical Background of Identity Verification

Identity verification in India has become increasingly complex due to the intersection of migration, digital documentation, and political sensitivity. For many internal migrants from states like West Bengal, proving their citizenship in southern metropolitan cities like Bengaluru often involves navigating a labyrinth of bureaucratic hurdles and local law enforcement scrutiny.

Biswas's family, who moved to Bengaluru for economic opportunities, now lives in a state of constant fear. He highlighted the socio-economic disparity, noting that while they sought a life where both spouses could work and their daughter could study, they are now trapped in a cycle of suspicion.

Did You Know?: The EPIC (Electors Photo Identity Card) is one of the most critical documents used to establish residency and citizenship in India.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is 'Operation Mukta'?
It is a specific drive initiated by the Bengaluru City police to identify and deport illegal immigrants.

2. Has the court ruled on Biswas's citizenship?
Yes, the Karnataka High Court has already held that his West Bengal voter identity card is genuine.