Thane: Two Bangladeshi nationals who were living illegally in Thane district were convicted by an ad-hoc sessions court on Monday. The court sentenced them to simple imprisonment of one year and three months each, and ordered their deportation to Bangladesh after they complete their sentence.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
Ad-hoc Sessions Judge R. M. Rathod of the Additional Sessions Court, Thane, convicted Samir Ali Afsar Khan (24) and Ridoi Nasir Shaikh (22), both labourers residing in the Shilphata area, under Section 14 of the Foreigners Act, 1946. Each accused was also fined Rs 1,000, with a default clause of one month's additional imprisonment. Both have been in judicial custody since their arrest on February 17, 2025.
Background of the Case
The case stemmed from a police operation on February 17, 2025, when officers from Mumbra police station intercepted the two accused near Noor Hospital. The accused initially avoided disclosing their origins but later admitted they were natives of Bangladesh. They failed to produce any valid travel documents, passport, or visa.
Acquittal on Serious Charges
The court acquitted both accused of the more serious charge under the Foreigners Act, which pertains to entry into restricted areas. They were also acquitted under the Passport Rules, 1950, as prior central government sanction for prosecution had not been obtained. Noting the accused had entered India out of poverty and had already served over a year in custody, the court imposed a sentence marginally above the period already undergone.
Deportation Order
Jail authority and Mumbra police station have been directed to initiate deportation immediately upon expiry of the sentence.
