Kotagarh, Sep 28: In a significant development, Kotagarh police have arrested a Bangladeshi national, marking the first such case in the Kandhamal district.

Acting on intelligence reports, the police apprehended a Muslim man named Nazir Mullah, who had been residing in Kotagarh for over 17 years under the false identity of an Indian citizen.

Nazir Mullah had settled in the Munda Sahi area of Kotagarh and married a local woman, establishing a family life. He reportedly entered India illegally in 1994, initially reaching Cuttack in search of work. Failing to find employment there, he moved to G. Udayagiri and eventually settled in Kotagarh.

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Investigations revealed that following rising tensions between India and Bangladesh, authorities had issued strict directives to identify and take action against Rohingya Muslims and other illegal immigrants residing in India. Based on birth registration records and other documents, Nazir Mullah was confirmed to be a citizen of Bangladesh, hailing from Choubaria village under Mohammadpuri police station in Magura district. His father's name is listed as Abul Mullah.

Upon arrest, police seized several forged Indian identity documents from Nazir, including a voter ID card, Aadhaar card, passport, and visa.

Kotagarh police station officer Anand Chandra Patra registered a case under FIR No. 131/2025 and stated that further investigation is underway.