Katigorah Locals Foil 9 Rohingya Illegal Entry Into Bangladesh Via Meghalaya Border

An alleged attempt to illegally infiltrate nine Rohingya individuals into Bangladesh via Meghalaya was foiled on Thursday morning (January 1, 2026) after alert locals intervened near the Kalainchhara toll gate in Katigorah.

According to available information, the incident occurred around 10:00 AM when members of the Katigorah Sanatani Sangha noticed suspicious movement and carried out a swift intervention. The group safely detained the suspected individuals and handed them over to the Gumrah Police for further action.

Sumit Baishnab, the president of the organisation, said they have spotted Rohingya repeatedly in the area trying to enter Bangladesh via different borders.

Police also seized two auto-rickshaws allegedly used in the attempted infiltration. The suspected Rohingyas said on the video that they had come from Delhi and were crossing the border into Bangladesh.

Following a nationwide crackdown to identify illegal immigrants, including Bangladeshis and Rohingyas residing unlawfully in India, there has been a noticeable rise in attempts to move back into Bangladesh. Last year, hundreds—if not thousands—are believed to have allegedly tried to cross the international border illegally with the help of agents operating across border states.

The timely intervention by locals enabled the police to begin an immediate investigation. Members of the Sanatani Sangha and residents of the area have expressed satisfaction with the steps taken by the Gumra Police to ensure a fair and impartial investigation into the incident.