Photo Courtesy: tripuratimes
Agartala: The Tripura High Court has ordered the state to repatriate nine Bangladeshi nationals convicted of illegal entry into India. Justice T. Amarnath Goud modified the original sentences to the time already served in custody. The ruling closes three separate criminal appeals regarding judgments from the Sessions Courts in Unakoti and Dhalai districts.
The group includes Sheikh Mahammad Rubel Miah and his wife Asma Begam, both from Moulvibazar district, and Dulal Miah from the same area. Other appellants are Sudhir Chandra Sarkar, Adhir Chandra Sarkar, Sankar Chandra Sarkar, Sarathi Sarkar, and Geeta Sarkar, all residing in Karancha, Bangladesh. A final woman appellant who challenged her conviction under the Passport Act is also included.
Public Prosecutor Raju Datta told the court that the state government holds no objection to sending the individuals back. The court ruled that continued jail time serves little purpose for first-time offenders. Judges noted that detention causes unnecessary hardship to the families of the accused in Bangladesh.
The state must now move the group back to their home country following standard legal procedures. Prison officials are strictly instructed to hold the individuals as simple detainees rather than convicts until their release. The court stated, "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 convicts were originally sentenced under the Foreigners Act of 1946 and the Passport Acts of 1920 and 2000. These laws govern entry into India. State authorities have received orders to expedite the transfer process. They will release the nine people once official deportation arrangements are set.
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