Shillong: The Border Security Force (BSF) has apprehended 26 Bangladeshi nationals for allegedly entering India without valid documents near the international border in West Garo Hills district, Meghalaya, officials said on Tuesday.
Acting on intelligence inputs, BSF personnel from the 22nd Battalion intercepted three vehicles along State Highway-12 near Matchokpara, en route from Purakhasia to Barengapara, on Monday.
During the operation, four Indian nationals suspected of facilitating the illegal entry were also detained.
“Preliminary questioning revealed that the Bangladeshis were attempting to infiltrate Indian territory with the assistance of local facilitators,” a BSF official said, adding that all 30 individuals have been taken into custody for further interrogation.
The BSF confirmed that this was one of the largest groups apprehended in a single operation this year.
With Monday’s arrests, the total number of Bangladeshi nationals caught in Meghalaya in 2025 has risen to at least 46.
Previous incidents include seven apprehended in East Khasi Hills, five in South Garo Hills, and four each in West and East Jaintia Hills.
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Describing the latest operation as a “major success,” a BSF spokesperson said it underscores the force’s sustained efforts to curb cross-border crimes and infiltration attempts along the India-Bangladesh frontier.
“The operation reflects the continued vigilance and operational efficiency of BSF personnel deployed along the sensitive border regions,” the spokesperson said.
The BSF said further investigation is underway in coordination with Meghalaya Police.
