A new report by Human Rights Watch (HRW) says that hundreds of Bengali-speaking Muslims in India have been illegally forced into Bangladesh. The report claims that many of these people were Indian citizens who were deported without proper checks. Some were beaten, and their Indian ID papers were destroyed before being pushed across the border.
According to HRW, at least 1,500 people including men, women, and children were expelled between May 7 and June 15, 2025. These actions were reportedly carried out after India’s Home Ministry ordered states to find and deport undocumented Bangladeshi migrants within 30 days. This order followed a terrorist attack in Kashmir, after which the government blamed illegal immigrants.
HRW accuses the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of targeting Muslims for political reasons. The group said that although some deported people were actually from Bangladesh, many were Indian citizens who spoke Bengali. And lived in states like Assam, West Bengal, Gujarat, and Uttar Pradesh. They had moved across the country looking for jobs but were singled out for their language and religion.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his party have often spoken against Bangladeshi immigrants, calling them “infiltrators.” HRW argues that these harsh actions ignore legal rights and international laws. The group also pointed to past incidents, such as reports of Rohingya refugees being dropped into international waters.
HRW warns that this kind of treatment puts thousands of people at risk. And harms India’s image as a country that once welcomed those fleeing persecution. The deportations may also become a key issue in future elections, especially in West Bengal.