Mumbai Plans to Establish Detention Centre for Illegal Migrants in Bhoiwada, Dadar
Mumbai, 1st April 2024: Mumbai authorities are taking steps to address the issue of illegal migration by establishing a detention centre in Dadar’s Bhoiwada area. This centre will house foreign nationals who have entered the country unlawfully until they can be repatriated to their home countries.
Top officials of the Mumbai Police revealed that the proposal for the detention centre was sent to the Maharashtra Government and swiftly approved. The responsibility for constructing the centre has been entrusted to the Public Works Department (PwD), with the site adjacent to Bhoiwada Court in Dadar East selected for the project, estimated to cost around 5 crore rupees.
The imminent opening of the detention centre is considered a crucial step in managing illegal migration. Currently, illegal migrants are held at police stations under the supervision of the Anti-Terrorism Cell, posing challenges in maintaining custody. Last November, a Bangladeshi national escaped from Kalachowki Police station, prompting scrutiny of existing procedures.
In addition to addressing corruption concerns, Mumbai Police have intensified efforts to apprehend illegal migrants. Over the past two years, hundreds of individuals, including Pakistanis and Bangladeshis, have been detained, with deportation proceedings initiated for many. Special Branch – 1 and the Anti-Terrorism Cell collaborate to ensure adherence to standard operating procedures during deportation.
To enhance security measures, Mumbai Police urge citizens to participate in tenant verification processes, emphasizing the importance of reporting tenant details to local authorities. Recognizing the challenges in identifying illegal migrants, police stress the need for public cooperation to aid enforcement efforts.
The detention centre, distinct from prisons, will accommodate detainees pending deportation, offering recreational facilities such as board games, television, and a library. Authorities anticipate housing up to 100 to 150 detainees initially to avoid overcrowding and facilitate efficient processing.
Meanwhile, concerns over the surge in illegal migration persist, with Navi Mumbai Police Commissioner Milind Bharambe highlighting the need for additional measures to address the issue. Despite proposals for detention centres, no concrete plans have materialized, leaving law enforcement agencies grappling with the challenge of managing illegal migrants effectively.
