Months-long investigation across slums and dense localities by Lucknow police confirms absence of illegal migrants
LUCKNOW – The police in the capital city of Uttar Pradesh have concluded a months-long verification exercise into alleged illegal Bangladeshi and Rohingya migrants, finding none, and instead identifying most workers as Indian citizens from Assam employed in sanitation and waste management.
The claims of large-scale illegal settlement have been repeatedly raised by some right-wing groups and political leaders, who alleged that slums in Uttar Pradesh’s capital were populated by foreign nationals. The accusations particularly targeted Muslim communities, raising concern over discrimination and political exploitation.
Senior police officials said on Friday that extensive verification was conducted across various police station areas, with a focus on slums and densely populated localities where suspicions had been raised. Teams examined households, checked documents rigorously, and coordinated with intelligence agencies. Despite these efforts, no illegal Bangladeshi or Rohingya presence was found.
Joint Police Commissioner Bablu Kumar told reporters, “Our investigation did not find any Bangladeshi or Rohingya residents. Most sanitation workers are connected to Barpeta and Kamrup districts of Assam, and they are Indian citizens.”
Earlier, BJP leaders, including former IPS officer and Rajya Sabha member Brij Lal, Mayor Sushma Kharkwal, and State Women’s Commission vice-chairperson Aparna Yadav, had demanded verification, claiming that over two lakh illegal migrants were living in the city.
Following political pressure, the police instructed station in-charges and LIU teams to investigate various slums. Mayor Kharkwal personally visited sanitation sites, including the Vinay Khand Portable Compactor Transfer Station in Gomti Nagar, and scrutinised documents of workers to verify their nationality. Similar inspections were carried out in Phoolbagh Colony, Indra Nagar, and other areas.
Despite the heightened scrutiny, no Bangladeshi or Rohingya migrant was found. The police verification confirmed that most residents and sanitation staff were Indians from Assam.
The findings expose the exaggeration in political claims, reaffirm the legality and dignity of local Muslim communities, and underline the importance of factual verification over politically motivated narratives.
Joint Commissioner Kumar added, “We have completed verification in most slum areas, and the results are clear. Allegations of illegal migrants in the city are baseless.”
This outcome highlights the need for careful reporting and responsible political discourse to prevent marginalisation and protect the rights of citizens living in India’s urban spaces.
