16 Bangladeshis detained in Meghalaya for 'intrusion'

Sixteen Bangladeshis were detained in Meghalaya, India on charge of intruding into the country on Tuesday.

The detainees, including women and children, are residents of Bangladesh's Sunamganj district, reports Outlook India.

They were on the way to Kashmir reportedly without any valid travel documents.

According to a spokesperson of India's Border Security Force (BSF), suspicious movements of some people near the international border were reported around 3:30pm. Later, 16 Bangladeshis, including touts, were detained by BSF personnel of Rynkhua outpost.

BSF Meghalaya Frontier Inspector General Inderjit Singh Rana said, "During preliminary questioning, the detainees confessed that one of the touts had facilitated them to cross the border. He also assured to take them to Kashmir, where they would work as labourers."

"The apprehended Bangladeshis were handed over to the police station for further legal action. Procedures for the minors will be taken as per law," said Meghalaya state home department official.