Photo Courtesy: tripuratimes
Agartala: The Tripura High Court has cleared the way for nine Bangladeshi nationals to return home. Justice T. Amarnath Goud modified the sentences for the group, who previously faced jail time for illegal entry into India. The court ruled that they remain in prison as temporary detainees rather than convicts until authorities finalize their repatriation.
The ruling impacts appellants convicted in Unakoti and Dhalai district courts. The group includes Sheikh Mahammad Rubel Miah, his wife Asma Begam, and Dulal Miah from Moulvibazar district. Other individuals involved are Sudhir Chandra Sarkar, Adhir Chandra Sarkar, Sankar Chandra Sarkar, Sarathi Sarkar, and Geeta Sarkar. A ninth woman, who appealed her conviction under the Passport Act separately, is also included.
These individuals faced charges under the Foreigners Act, the Passport Act of 1920, and its 2000 amendment. Public Prosecutor Raju Datta told the court the state government does not oppose sending them back. Judges noted the hardship their long-term imprisonment causes for families waiting in Bangladesh.
The court reduced their sentences to the time they have already served behind bars. Prison officials must now hold them until the deportation process concludes. "The appellants shall continue to be in the prison not as convicts and the prison authority shall act as a custodian for them until they are repatriated to their own country," the High Court said. The state must now act quickly to finalize their release for transport back across the border.
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