This is an archive article published on January 20, 2025
After attack on Saif Ali Khan, L-G directs Delhi top cop to launch campaign against ‘illegal immigrants’ on ‘mission mode’
The Delhi L-G, in his order, has also expressed concern regarding the presence of illegal immigrants in Delhi, stating that their “involvement in criminal activities in Delhi cannot be ruled out.”
In the wake of an attack on actor Saif Ali Khan, Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Monday directed Delhi Commissioner of Police Sanjay Arora to launch a special campaign to identify and remove “illegal Bangladeshi and Rohingya immigrants employed by shopkeepers and other residents as workers or house help” in the Capital on a “mission mode”.
Earlier, the L-G Secretariat, on December 10, had directed a crackdown on “illegal Bangladeshi immigrants” living in Delhi. Following the order, the Delhi Police had launched a special drive and carried out searches across the 15 districts of the city while arresting and deporting the alleged illegal immigrants, said officials.
The latest directive from the L-G’s office comes after the Mumbai Police on Sunday said it had arrested a Bangladeshi national, identified as Mohammad Shariful Islam (30), for allegedly breaking into actor Saif Ali Khan’s Bandra home last week and stabbing him multiple times amid a robbery bid.
The L-G “has taken note of the grave criminal incident involving a high profile Bollywood actor in Mumbai, wherein a Bangladeshi national was involved in a house break and criminal assault. It has been widely reported that the concerned individual was living under an assumed identity and was working at a restaurant,” read the statement from his office.
According to officials, Islam had changed his name to Vijay Das after entering India. “Initially, he was working at a hotel in Thane after coming to Mumbai about six months ago… He was recently looking for work as he had left that job about a fortnight back,” a police officer had told The Indian Express.
The Delhi L-G, in his order, has also expressed concern regarding the presence of illegal immigrants in Delhi, stating that their “involvement in criminal activities in Delhi cannot be ruled out.” “Such illegal immigrants are often employed by shopkeepers and other residents as workers/house help at far lower wages than the prescribed minimum wages, thereby depressing local labour markets,” the directive further read.
Many of these “illegal immigrants”, the L-G’s order read, are employed without proper verification, sometimes using forged documents like Aadhaar, voter ID, and ration cards, “facilitated by organised syndicates and vested interest groups which facilitate the settlement of such immigrants,” it said.
Himanshu Harsh is a Correspondent with The Indian Express, currently leading on-the-ground coverage in Bihar. With a reporting career rooted in the complexities of the National Capital Region (NCR), Himanshu specializes in the critical intersection of law, crime, and civic governance.
Professional Expertise & Credentials
An alumnus of the prestigious Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Delhi, Himanshu brings a rigorous academic foundation to his investigative work. His expertise is characterized by a "ground-up" reporting style, most notably demonstrated during his extensive coverage of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, where he analyzed shifting political landscapes and grassroots sentiment.
Specialized Beats
Himanshu’s portfolio reflects versatility, allowing him to navigate diverse industries and social issues:
Civic & Legal Affairs: Extensive experience covering the Delhi reporting beat, focusing on policy implementation and judicial impact.
Automotive Industry: A technical background in reporting on India’s evolving transport and automotive sectors.
Social Fabric & Human Interest: Beyond hard news, he is known for exploring the changing social dynamics of India’s urban and rural heartlands, bringing a human-centric lens to systemic issues.
Personal Interests & Digital Literacy
Outside the newsroom, Himanshu’s deep engagement with technology and gaming informs his understanding of digital trends and the modern information economy. A trained DJ with a passion for music, his diverse personal interests contribute to a well-rounded perspective that resonates across both traditional and digital media platforms. ... Read More
