“Bangladeshi Detector” Device Sparks Controversy in India

India’s political discourse has again been dominated by discussions about Bangladesh and Bangladeshi nationals, particularly in the context of migration and citizenship. Recently, a police officer in Uttar Pradesh has provoked widespread attention — and criticism — by allegedly “inventing” a device claimed to detect Bangladeshi nationals.

The incident occurred near Delhi, in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh. Indian media report that on 23 December last year, a police team conducted an operation in a slum in the Bihari Market area to identify suspected illegal migrants. During the operation, a police officer was filmed pressing a smartphone-like device against a man’s back and declaring, “The device says this person is Bangladeshi.”

The video, which quickly went viral on social media, shows the officer repeatedly interrogating slum residents about their nationality. According to reports, a woman and a minor presented identity documents confirming that they were from Araria, Bihar, yet the officer allegedly ignored these proofs.

Indian media outlets reacted swiftly. The Hindu, in a 2 January report, stated: “Video shows threats during an operation; officer warned by police”. The newspaper highlighted that the officer appeared to use the device to “verify” citizenship. Anandabazar Patrika headlined: “Police in Uttar Pradesh use ‘citizenship device’ to identify Bangladeshis; probe ordered”. Similarly, Hindustan Times (Bengali edition) described the incident as: “Bangladeshi identification by pressing device to back! Ghaziabad police face peak controversy”.

Following the video’s circulation, Ghaziabad police reportedly issued a strict warning to the officer in charge of Kaushambi police station, cautioning him against intimidating local residents. Assistant Police Commissioner Abhishek Srivastava clarified that the operation was a routine sweep to ensure law and order, not a formal citizenship verification.

Nevertheless, the Indian National Congress has demanded judicial intervention. Ajay Rai, President of the Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee, criticised the state administration, claiming that such actions are commonplace and that police officials would not act without higher directives. He expressed hope that the High Court would take suo motu action, emphasising that the incident undermines rule of law and tarnishes Uttar Pradesh’s image.

Key Facts

This incident has ignited debates over citizenship, human rights, and policing practices in India. While police insist it was a routine operation, critics argue it exposes vulnerabilities in governance and raises serious concerns about discrimination and public accountability.