Bhubaneswar: Amid political unrest in Bangladesh, the Odisha government has geared up to prevent entry of illegal immigrants from the neighbouring country through sea routes.
According to official sources, the Superintendents of Police (SPs) of all coastal districts have been asked to step up patrolling, particularly during the night, to prevent anyone from Bangladesh from entering the state through sea routes.
Stating that coastal security has been put on high alert, Additional Director General of Police (ADG – Law and Order), Sanjay Kumar told Indian Express that patrols have been enhanced substantially along the coastal areas of the state to prevent any illegal entry. The focus is on the coastline in the districts like Kendrapada, Jagatsinghpur and Bhadrak districts.
Boats and other equipment and the surveillance team of the 18 marine police stations have been sensitised all the officers are keeping a close watch to prevent any illegal infiltration, he said.
He also said that the state ADG for coastal security has been informed to keep in touch with the Coast Guards and Navy officers.
A control room is functioning round-the-clock in the office of the ADG, coastal security, to coordinate with various agencies on the situation and to secure the seacoast.
“There are chances that criminal elements, after committing crimes in their country, may enter our territory in small groups through sea routes. We have directed to increase vigil in the habitations near the coastal areas,” said Kumar.
Odisha has a long 480-kilometre coastline, and illegal immigrants from Bangladesh generally reach Kendrapada and Jagatsinghpur using sea routes, often in fishing trawlers, officials said.
