Delhi Lieutenant Governor (LG) VK Saxena has raised significant concerns over the involvement of illegal Bangladeshi and Rohingya immigrants in criminal activities, following a recent attack on Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan in Mumbai. The incident saw a Bangladeshi national implicated in a house break-in and assault and has prompted LG Saxena to write a letter to Delhi Police Commissioner, urging immediate action to identify such infiltrators.

The LG’s letter noted the serious nature of the crime involving the high-profile actor. According to news agency ANI, it stated, “Lt. Governor has taken note of the grave criminal incident involving a high profile Bollywood actor in Mumbai, wherein a Bangladeshi national was involved in house break and criminal assault. It has been widely reported that the concerned individual was living under an assumed identity and was working at a restaurant.”

Further addressing concerns, the letter highlighted the broader implications of illegal immigration, stressing that the involvement of illegal Bangladeshi and Rohingya infiltrators in criminal and illegal activities within Delhi could not be ruled out. “It is underscored that such illegal immigrants are often employed by shopkeepers and other residents as worker/house help at far lower wages than the prescribed minimum wages, thereby depressing local labour markets,” the letter added.

The LG’s correspondence also brought attention to the existence of organised syndicates and vested interest groups that facilitate the settlement of such immigrants. In response, the LG has directed that a special mission be launched to identify and address the presence of these infiltrators. “Lt. Governor has directed that a special campaign be launched to identify such infiltrators on a mission mode. An outreach programme may be launched through print and social media to generate public awareness on the importance of verification of employees/domestic help and workers including construction labour in the interest of their own security,” the letter stated.

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Additionally, the letter recommended sensitising Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) and Shopkeeper Associations about the necessity of antecedent verification before employing individuals. It further called for legal action to be taken against employers who provide employment, accommodation, or shelter to illegal immigrants without conducting the required checks.

The attack on Saif Ali Khan occurred on January 16, when the actor was stabbed at his Bandra residence. The actor sustained serious injuries, including stab wounds to his thoracic spine. Mumbai Police have arrested the accused, identified as Mohd Shariful Islam Shehzad, reported to be a native of the Jhalokati district in Bangladesh.