Pakistani national living in Hooghly’s Chandannagar for nearly over 40 years arrested: Police

According to police sources, Fatema arrived in India from Rawalpindi, in Pakistan, in 1980 on a tourist visa, accompanied by her father. In 1982, she married Muzaffar Mallick, an Indian bakery owner, and they have two daughters who are married.

According to the local police records, Fatema was reported “missing” by the special branch a year after her visa was issued.

The arrest comes amidst renewed scrutiny of Pakistani citizens residing in India following the terrorist attacks on tourists in Pahalgam, Kashmir. The Indian government has reportedly asked Pakistani nationals to return to their home country, prompting a fresh search for those who have entered India from Pakistan.

The woman’s family, now seeking her release, said that Fatema’s ancestors had a house in Nalikul, Hooghly, where she was born, said officials. Her father later moved to Rawalpindi for work before returning to India with her in 1980. Her husband and daughters further said that Fatema has no remaining family in Pakistan and that all her relatives are in India, the officials added.

The family has also pointed out that Fatema is a registered voter in ward number 12 of the Chandannagar Corporation and possesses Aadhaar and PAN cards. They have also raised concerns about her health, stating that she requires medication and is scheduled for knee surgery.
Meanwhile, the neighbours expressed surprise at the arrest of someone who has lived in the community for so long.

Reacting to the arrest, Union Minister and BJP state President Sukanta Majumdar on Sunday criticised the “lax surveillance” in West Bengal, which allegedly allowed such a long-term overstay to go unnoticed. He demanded the identification, apprehension, and repatriation of all Pakistani citizens residing illegally in the state and across the country.

The BJP, meanwhile, announced plans to hold demonstrations in front of all district headquarters on Monday to press for this demand.