MNS workers barge into slum to identify ‘illegal Bangladeshis’

MUMBAI: Workers of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) on Thursday checked the identification documents of the labourers living in the slums at Kranti Park in Borivli, in what they termed “an action to identify illegal Bangladeshi immigrants”. However, the labourers were found to be residents of West Bengal.

Senior inspector Laxman Dumbre said strict legal action would be taken if MNS leaders and workers indulge in branding people as Bangladeshis and create tension and disharmony in society.

MNS leader Prasad Kulapkar said, “We found their activities suspicious and hence informed the police. We accompanied the police to check the credentials of these people.”

However, he added, the MNS feels that they have forged documents to obtain the Aadhaar card.

He said that it was ironical that the contractor did not inform the local police when he brought these people to work in Maharashtra.

Samajwadi Party legislator Rais Shaikh demanded action against MNS activists.

“They want to disrupt communal harmony and immediate action needs to be taken,” said Shaikh.

Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant said that Thackeray is carrying forward the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) agenda.

“No one wants illegal Pakistani and Bangladeshi immigrants, but this is not the way to deal with the issue. It is a clear case of acting on behalf of the BJP and trying to communalise society,” said Sawant.

The Borivali police have issued a notice to Kupalpar and MNS workers and have warned them against any “misadventure”.