CPI(M) Urges Amit Shah to Act: Bengali-Speaking Indians Abused, Government ‘Deporting’ Citizens

New Delhi: The Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) has brought to light widespread human rights violations and police misconduct during the ongoing drive to identify so-called "illegal Bangladeshi immigrants" in Delhi. In a strongly worded letter addressed to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, CPI(M) leaders Brinda Karat and Anurag Saxena detailed instances of harassment, abuse, and extortion by Delhi Police against Bengali-speaking Indian citizens.

The letter, released publicly today by the CPI(M) Central Committee Office, describes multiple incidents of “lawless behaviour” and “inhumane treatment” targeting poor and marginalised communities, particularly in areas like Bawana, Vivekanand Camp in Chanakyapuri, and slums across the city.

Among the most serious accusation is the case of Md Nizamuddin, a long-time Delhi resident originally from Jharkhand, who was allegedly detained and beaten by police after being falsely accused of sheltering a Bangladeshi national. His entire family, including young children, was allegedly picked up, verbally abused, and photographed without consent. Despite providing valid documents proving their Indian citizenship, the family was repeatedly harassed over several days.

Another case involved Sajan Saudagar Das, who was assaulted at Pritampura police station simply for speaking Bengali. He sustained injuries after being kicked in the ear with police boots before being released without charge.

Three elderly Bengali-speaking widows—Indian residents for decades—were also allegedly detained without explanation, had their documents seized, and were kept in custody for three days before being released, leaving them traumatised and fearful of further police action.

In a particularly alarming incident, the CPI(M.) in the statement had said that eight Bengali migrant workers, including a woman and a five-year-old child, were forcibly deported to Bangladesh on June 26, despite having proof of their Indian citizenship and residence in West Bengal.

CPI(M) leaders accused authorities of targeting Bengali-speaking Muslims under the guise of immigration enforcement, calling it a “dangerous and discriminatory” trend. "Is it now a crime in India to speak Bengali?" the letter questions, adding that 26% of West Bengal’s population comprises Bengali-speaking Muslims who are as Indian as any other citizen.

The party further alleged that police personnel had demanded bribes to return identity documents in some areas, such as Vivekanand Camp, and that in other incidents, senior police officers denied knowledge of any such orders, suggesting possible rogue operations or lack of oversight. Brinda Karat and Anurag Saxena urged the Home Minister to intervene and halt the arbitrary targeting of citizens. They demanded:

• Immediate cessation of the current identification methods.

• Action against police personnel involved in beatings, extortion, and intimidation.

• Deletion of illegally collected photographs and bio-metric data.

• Compensation and redress for victims and their families.

The CPI(M) has called for urgent government accountability and restoration of human dignity, warning that continuing such practices will further erode public trust in law enforcement and the constitutional values of the country.

As of this report, the Union Home Ministry has not responded to the letter. There is also no official statement yet from the Delhi Police regarding the specific accusations made.