Bengaluru: An alleged illegal Bangladeshi immigrant set to be deported won relief from Karnataka high court two days ago after he claimed that he is not a foreign national, but an Indian citizen who is a victim of mistaken identity.Staying the deportation order issued by Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO), Bengaluru, Justice Suraj Govindaraj directed the authorities to verify the identity of Abdul Rahim, who claims he was born in Seemapuri, New Delhi, in April 1979 and has spent his entire life in India.The HC took note of Rahim’s contention that he is the same person convicted by a UP sessions court in a case alleging illegal entry from Bangladesh. He informed the court that he has challenged the conviction before the Allahabad high court.Rahim has been lodged in a Bengaluru detention centre ever since he was picked up during a police drive in March this year to identify suspected illegal Bangladeshi immigrants. Following his detention, FRRO invoked the Foreigners Act and initiated deportation proceedings.While FRRO maintains the detainee is an illegal Bangladeshi national named Mohammed Rahim Havaldar, the petitioner insists he is an Indian citizen with deep roots in the country. He told the court he has a family in India and has built his life here.In support of his claim, Rahim produced a series of identity documents, including birth certificate, Aadhaar card, PAN card, passport, voter identity card and driving licence. He also submitted to the court that he runs a government-registered waste management and scrap trading business in Bengaluru and possesses a valid GST registration certificate.Arguing that deportation proceedings were initiated without even issuing him a notice, Rahim contended that the action violated his constitutional rights and those of his family.Observing that the petition raises questions requiring verification, the HC directed the FRRO to ascertain Rahim’s identity before taking action. The court adjourned the matter to July 14 for next hearing.
