Four Bengal workers released after wrongful Bangladeshi detention in Chhattisgarh

Four labourers from West Bengal were released from detention in Chhattisgarh after authorities clarified they were Indian citizens, not Bangladeshi nationals as initially suspected. The detainees expressed relief at their sudden release, which came after intervention from senior officials. "We were so surprised. It happened suddenly when we had lost our hope," said Safikul Islam, one of the detainees. "The higher authority ordered our release immediately, and the police also documented in official records that we are Indians, not Bangladeshis." The incident highlights challenges faced by migrant workers from eastern India who are occasionally subjected to identity checks during crackdowns on irregular immigration. The West Bengal workers had been held pending verification of their citizenship status. Police records now formally reflect their Indian nationality, clearing their names from any suspicion of illegal cross-border activity. The case underscores the need for improved verification procedures to prevent wrongful detention of Indian citizens.