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Journalism of Courage
That there are several Pakistani and Bangladeshi citizens staying in Mumbai is old news. And much to the chagrin of the Home Ministry, more than 20 such people hold posts of Special Executive Officers (SEO) in the city.
Most of these SEOs have been appointed at Kurla and Malvani, a predominantly Bangladeshi colony. Alarmed over this, the Ministry has asked the police how they got clearance for the quasi-official posts which allow them to even endorse documents required for government procedures. Ironically, the SEOs are given the designation after proper verification and police clearance.
In a circular (1701/70) dated May 15, the Maharashtra Home Department ordered senior inspectors and public relations officers attached to police stations in the city to ascertain the credentials of the appointed SEOs.
Prior to the appointment of an SEO, interested candidates file their application and their resumes, detailing their social work, with the government, after it is endorsed by a minister. The application is then sent to local police station for verification, after which identity card is issued.
In case of the appointments at Kurla and Malvani, there appear to have been major lapses of the part of agencies meant to check the certificates of the applicants. ‘‘The vote-bank policy has taken precedence over national security,’’ a source remarked.
The Home Department’s note comes in the wake of fresh security threats and fears that some Pakistani ISI agents could have infiltrated the ranks of SEOs in Mumbai and the police have taken the threat seriously.
A list is being prepared to verify the nationality and certificates of all SEOs in the city, a senior police officer said.
Earlier Special Branch investigations had revealed that illegal immigrants entered the country from Bangaon outpost in 24-Parganas of West Bengal only to fan out to other districts before reaching Mumbai. Suspects, revealed investigators, entered India after nightfall, with the connivance of some BSF personnel guarding the border.
A senior police officer said the racket was flourishing with the blessings of local politicians in West Bengal. ‘‘They are provided with fabricated character certificates and ration cards to help them gain entry to Mumbai,’’ the officer pointed out. The police say the racket is flourishing in all Bangladeshi colonies here, particularly Reay Road, Dockyard Road, Antop Hill and Cheeta Camp near Trombay, while fresh illegal immigrants are sheltered by relatives in city.
