GUWAHATI | Authorities in Assam’s South Salmara-Mankachar district have ordered the expulsion of a convicted Bangladeshi national within 24 hours, citing border security and immigration concerns, officials said. The expulsion order was issued on August 14 by the district magistrate under Section 2(b) of the Immigrants (Expulsion from Assam) Act, 1950.

According to the order, Mohammad Masood alias Mister, around 24, a resident of Ratanpur village under Rowmari police station in Bangladesh’s Kurigram district, was apprehended by BSF personnel near the Jordanga Border Outpost on January 13 for allegedly entering India illegally.

He was subsequently handed over to Mankachar Police Station.

Police registered Mankachar Police Station Case No. 07/2026 against Masood under Section 324(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Section 21 of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, and Section 3(1) of the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, 1984.

The Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate, South Salmara-Mankachar, convicted Masood on July 21 and sentenced him to one month, seven months and three months of simple imprisonment under the respective provisions. The sentences were ordered to run concurrently, with the period already spent in detention set off against the sentence.

Masood completed his sentence on August 12 and was subsequently shifted from District Jail, Dhubri, to the Matia Holding Centre in Goalpara for further deportation or repatriation proceedings. The Senior Superintendent of Police (B), South Salmara-Mankachar, had sought an expulsion order from the district magistrate to facilitate his removal from the state.

The district magistrate observed that the offences involved unauthorised entry into India and alleged damage to international border fencing, describing the matter as having a direct bearing on border security and immigration law enforcement.

The order said Masood’s continued presence in Assam was detrimental to public interest and the internal security of the state. Masood has been directed to leave Assam within 24 hours of receiving the order and proceed through the South Salmara-Mankachar-Dhubri route for lawful deportation or repatriation to Bangladesh through the competent authorities.

Failure to comply with the order would invite action under the Immigrants (Expulsion from Assam) Act, 1950, and other applicable laws, it said.

The authorities have also been directed to complete several follow-up measures. The Senior Superintendent of Police (B), South Salmara-Mankachar, has been asked to record Masood’s biometric and demographic details on the Foreigner Identification Portal and ensure his removal.

The SSP (B), Goalpara, has been directed to take necessary steps for his deportation or repatriation. The order also directs the concerned authorities to verify and take appropriate action regarding any Aadhaar card, electoral-roll entry or ration card held by Masood, as well as any movable or immovable property allegedly held by him.