Bhubaneswar. Odisha Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan has rejected reports of Bangladeshis entering the coastal state through the sea route. Harichandan said that Bangladeshis living illegally in Odisha will be identified and sent back to their country soon. Police say that the Indian Navy, Coast Guard and Odisha Marine Police are maintaining three-tier security along the 480 km long maritime border with Bangladesh.
Responding to a question from reporters on the possibility of Bangladeshis entering Odisha through sea route amid political turmoil in Bangladesh, Harichandan on Saturday said Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has directed the Coast Guard and Odisha Marine Police to patrol the coastline to foil such attempts. He stressed that there were no such reports (of Bangladeshis entering the coastal state through sea route) after the recent developments in Bangladesh.
Harichandan said, some Bangladeshis have been living in Odisha for a long time. The state government will verify their documents, such as visa and work permit or any other valid reason for staying in the state. After verification, the illegal intruders will be sent back to their country.