As Gurgaon authorities step up efforts to identify and deport undocumented foreign nationals, a wave of panic has spread among Bengali-speaking migrant workers—many of them Indian citizens—prompting hundreds to flee the city. In slums and working-class neighborhoods, fear is palpable, with families packing up and leaving for their native districts in West Bengal, unsure whether they or their loved ones will be detained next.
Chavi Bibi, 39, watched helplessly as her husband was picked up during a sudden police operation. “They didn’t even let him change his clothes,” she said, standing outside the community centre in Sector 40 that has been turned into a holding facility. “Just because we speak Bengali, does that mean we’re Bangladeshis?” she asked, tears welling in her eyes. Her husband had two Aadhaar cards—one with a local address linked to his bank account—and she believes this discrepancy is what led to his detention.
According to police, the drive is part of a nationwide directive from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs to verify the identity of “suspected foreigners,” especially Bangladeshis and Rohingya believed to be living illegally. Officials insist it’s a routine check and that those with valid documents will be released promptly. However, for many families in Gurgaon’s informal settlements, the reality has been far more chaotic.
▶ Why is this incident important?
This verification drive is not just a law enforcement issue—it raises serious questions about the treatment of internal migrants in India. Many Indian citizens, especially from border states like West Bengal, are being wrongfully profiled based on language and appearance, creating a humanitarian and legal dilemma.
In the slum areas near Gada Market and Sector 50, workers say they live in constant anxiety. “There’s fear everywhere,” said Mehta Ali, a mason from Dakshin Dinajpur. “About 150 people have already left for home. We booked train tickets too.” Although no one from his slum has been detained, the uncertainty is enough to drive entire families out.
Videos allegedly showing detainees being mistreated by the police have circulated widely, adding to the anxiety. “We came here to work, not to get beaten for our identity papers,” said Farukh Sarkar, 26, whose brother-in-law was held for nine days. “We haven’t slept properly in days.”
The ripple effects extend to children and schools. Dholu Mia, 42, said his children have stopped attending classes after news spread that community members were being picked up. “If there’s even a small typo on our Aadhaar, we’re treated like criminals,” he said.
The Gurgaon police maintain that the operation is being conducted with fairness. “We are verifying documents through local district magistrates and no violence has been reported,” said a spokesperson. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Headquarters) Dr. Arpit Jain added, “Due process is being followed, and many individuals have been released quickly after verification.”
Yet, even those with documentation say they are not immune. Adam Ali, 38, spent three days in custody despite showing his Aadhaar card. “Why are we being questioned like this when we’ve lived here for years and have all papers?” asked Mansoora Khatun and Tumpa Bibi, whose husbands were also detained.
Local politics have further intensified the issue. Gurgaon MLA and BJP leader Mukesh Sharma defended the operation, stating that Rohingya settlements have disrupted local law and order. “The government is working based on intelligence inputs. Let the verification be thorough,” he said, even as many questioned why genuine Indian citizens are being caught in the dragnet.
As many continue to flee the city, one thing is clear: fear has replaced trust among the very people who help run the city’s households, construction sites, and services. And while authorities emphasize the legality of the checks, the emotional and social toll on thousands of migrant workers is already taking shape—with long-term consequences for both their lives and the city’s labour force.