The Pune Police have reported a dramatic increase in the deportation of foreign nationals residing illegally in the city during 2025. Official data released at an annual press conference reveals that 104 individuals were deported this year, marking a sharp escalation compared to the figures from 2023 and 2024.
Breakdown of Deportations: A Closer Look at the Numbers
The majority of those deported were citizens of Bangladesh. Out of the total 104, 81 were Bangladeshi nationals. This group included seven women who had been arrested back in 2023 from an establishment linked to commercial sex work in the Budhwar Peth area. Their deportation was finalized following a court order earlier this month.
The remaining deportees comprised individuals from various other countries. The data specifies that three people were from African nations, while 20 were from other parts of the world. This recent activity contrasts with the previous two years: in 2024, Pune police deported one Bangladeshi national, 25 individuals from African countries, and 31 from other nations. The number was even lower in 2023, with only 18 illegal migrants being deported from the city.
Sustained Enforcement and Intelligence-Based Action
Joint Commissioner of Police Ranjan Kumar Sharma emphasized that action against illegal immigration remains a key priority for the force. He stated that there is a greater push for intelligence-based operations and improved coordination between different agencies. "Whenever we find an illegal immigrant, we verify their documents and share the data of those under suspicion with intelligence agencies," Sharma explained.
He also noted that most illegal immigrants in Pune have typically arrived in search of employment opportunities, though a small number have been found involved in activities like the flesh trade. To tackle this issue systematically, the Special Branch of Pune Police has been conducting regular passport verification drives throughout 2025.
Targeted Checks and Verification Process
Officials detailed that the police, in coordination with central agencies, have been actively tracking foreigners staying in Pune without valid documents. Checks were intensified in labour-intensive pockets, construction sites, and residential areas. The focus of these operations is to curb illegal stays and the use of forged or expired immigration papers.
The deportation process is not taken lightly. Authorities confirmed that every case undergoes a thorough verification procedure. This includes confirming the individual's nationality, checking their visa status, and ascertaining their period of stay in the country before any deportation order is executed.
The concerted effort by Pune Police in 2025 signals a robust and continuing campaign to address the challenge of illegal immigration through vigilant monitoring and inter-agency cooperation.
