The Gurugram police will soon launch a special verification drive to identify “undocumented” Bangladeshi nationals in the city. Those found staying without valid documents would be deported, said an officer.However, the officer added, unlike last year, no detention centres would be set up to hold foreigners residing illegally. Instead, the suspects would be “kept under watch through the local community”, said the police.In July 2025, a similar drive had triggered unrest, when hundreds of Bengali-speaking migrant workers — mostly from West Bengal and employed as domestic help and sanitation workers — fled the city fearing police action. Four detention centres were set up to hold “undocumented” foreigners while their backgrounds were verified. Around 20 “undocumented” Bangladeshi nationals were identified through the drive, the police had said.‘Different approach’This year, the police’s approach will be “different”, the Gurugram police spokesperson told The Hindu.“There will be no detention centres, unlike the previous year,” the spokesperson said. Instead, identity documents of suspects would be verified in coordination with their respective State governments. Landlords and employers would also be tasked with monitoring them until verification is complete, the spokesperson added.The police are gathering local intelligence on those suspected of staying illegally before the formal drive begins.Acknowledging concerns over last year’s drive, the spokesperson said the campaign would be “closely monitored by senior police officers to ensure that no harassment is caused”. Any complaints of harassment or extortion would be dealt with strictly, he said.‘National security first’The Gurugram police have sought full cooperation from citizens and resident welfare associations for the drive. While acknowledging that some inconvenience may occur during checks, police said national security and public interest “take precedence over individual convenience”. Published - June 05, 2026 01:07 am IST