Cops step up verification drives to identify illegal immigrants in city

The Delhi Police have intensified its verification drives to identify illegal immigrants residing in the national capital. On Saturday, a special drive was conducted at Jai Hind camp in Vasant Kunj as part of this initiative.

The directive aligns with recent instructions from Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who, during a meeting with top Delhi Police officials last week, emphasised the need to accelerate efforts to identify and deport illegal immigrants.

Moreover, Lieutenant Governor (L-G) VK Saxena had also directed the police to launch a special mission targeting illegal immigrants suspected of living illegally in Delhi.

According to an official: “The verification drives are being carried out as per the instructions from the higher authorities. Those found overstaying without valid documentation are being processed for deportation.”

Earlier in February, the Delhi Police apprehended 16 individuals suspected of staying illegally in the country without valid visas. “They were produced before the Foreign Regional Registration Office (FRRO), which ordered their deportation, and accordingly, they were sent to a detention centre,” a senior police officer stated.

Besides the verification drive, the Delhi Police also conducted public grievance camps across various districts to address residents’ concerns. These camps, organised under the directive of Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora, provided a platform for people to raise their issues related to law and order.

During the Jan Sunwai (public hearing) in North East district, 79 complaints were received, out of which 75 were resolved on the spot. Similarly in Shahdara district, the authorities registered 71 complaints regarding public safety, law enforcement and administrative matters.

In addition, the Delhi Police, last week launched an extensive citywide patrolling operation — commonly referred to as “general gasht” — to strengthen security across the city.

Meanwhile, L-G Saxena has directed the police to undertake an outreach programme through print and social media to encourage public awareness regarding employee and domestic help verification.

“Resident Welfare Associations and Shopkeeper Associations should be sensitised to the need for antecedent verification before employment,” Saxena wrote in a letter to the Delhi Police Commissioner in January.

He further stressed that “suitable legal action may also be initiated against those who provide employment, accommodation or shelter to illegal immigrants without proper verification.”