Ranchi: Jharkhand Police has stepped up vigilance over the reported movement of Bangladeshi nationals in the state, with Police Headquarters directing district Superintendents of Police to verify intelligence inputs and submit detailed reports.

The alert follows information received by security agencies about the reported entry of nine Bangladeshi nationals into Jharkhand. Police are checking their movements, identities, documents and present locations. According to the inputs, three of the individuals have reportedly returned, three came to the state for medical treatment, while the whereabouts or status of the remaining three are being verified.

The police alert is understood to be particularly significant in Sahibganj, Jamtara, Deoghar and Dumka, where district authorities have been asked to examine information concerning suspected foreign nationals.

District SPs have reportedly been directed to collect details such as names, addresses, duration of stay, movements and activities, besides verifying passports, visas and other identity documents.

Security inputs have also raised concerns about the possible use of forged documents and attempts to establish local links. However, these are allegations contained in intelligence inputs and will need to be established through investigation.

The latest development has brought renewed attention to concerns over alleged illegal immigration in parts of Santhal Pargana. Authorities have previously been asked to verify the identity and residency documents of suspected illegal immigrants in districts including Sahibganj, Pakur, Godda, Jamtara, Dumka and Deoghar.

Police officials are now expected to intensify verification and surveillance to determine whether the latest inputs involve genuine foreign nationals, valid visitors or individuals staying in the state without the required documents.

For now, the exercise remains an investigation and verification process; the police alert by itself does not establish that those under scrutiny are illegal immigrants.