Bengaluru Police Intensify Crackdown on Illegal Foreign Nationals
In a stern warning to property owners, Bengaluru police have mandated that landlords must inform jurisdictional police when renting premises to foreign nationals. Failure to comply could result in charges under the Foreigners Act and related regulations, as authorities ramp up efforts to curb illegal stays in the city.
Recent Raid Exposes Violations in Kempegowda Layout
A special drive conducted by Kothanur police on Wednesday led to a raid at a house in Kempegowda Layout, RK Hegde Nagar. The investigation revealed that two Sudanese nationals were residing there without the owner, Riyaz Hussen, having notified the police. This incident underscores the growing enforcement of rules requiring landlords to submit a C-Form detailing foreign tenants.
Legal Obligations for Landlords Explained
DCP (northeast) GK Mithin Kumar emphasized that government guidelines legally obligate landlords to provide C-Forms containing specifics of foreign nationals staying on their properties. "Failure to submit such information can lead to foreign nationals overstaying beyond visa and passport expiry, potentially involving them in unlawful activities," Kumar stated. He added, "We will continue the drive against illegal stays, and landlords failing to submit C-Forms will face action."
Case Details: Sudanese Nationals and Legal Consequences
Police identified the tenants as Badr Abdulkarim, 22, and Ali Taha Mohamed Adam, 20. Hussen had rented the house to Adam about a year ago based on claims of a valid visa, but Adam was found staying illegally. Abdulkarim had a prior case under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, with police suspecting the duo worked as narcotics couriers. Adam was produced before the Foreigners Regional Registration Office, while Abdulkarim was arrested and remanded in judicial custody. A case was also registered against Hussen under the Foreigners Act.
Statewide Drive Ordered by Home Minister
On Thursday, Home Minister G Parameshwara announced instructions for a statewide special drive to trace illegally staying foreign nationals, including Bangladeshis. "I've also instructed that all chemical factories should be visited, brought on record, and monitored," he said. Addressing estimates of illegal Bangladeshi nationals, Parameshwara noted, "Each one quotes random figures; some say there are 20 lakh illegal Bangladeshi nationals. I informed the House during the session that 370 Bangladeshi nationals have been deported so far."
Key Takeaways for Bengaluru Residents
- Landlords must submit C-Forms to police when renting to foreigners.
- Non-compliance can lead to charges under the Foreigners Act.
- Police are actively conducting raids to identify illegal stays.
- A statewide drive is underway to monitor foreign nationals and chemical factories.
This crackdown highlights the increasing scrutiny on foreign nationals in Bengaluru, urging property owners to adhere strictly to legal protocols to avoid penalties and contribute to public safety.
