With the 2026 Assembly Elections around the corner, the issue of infiltration has taken center stage following the arrest of 14 Bangladeshi nationals at Jalpaiguri Road Station. On Wednesday night, during a special pre-election security sweep, RPF personnel intercepted the group traveling from Assam to Delhi aboard the Kamakhya North-East Express. Discrepancies in their Aadhaar cards led to their detention.

According to RPF official Biplab Dutta, the group—comprising 5 men, 5 women, and 4 minors—was found in possession of forged Indian identity documents, mobile phones, and both Bangladeshi and Malaysian currency. Investigations reveal they intended to travel to Jammu & Kashmir via Delhi. This breach has ignited a political firestorm; the BJP has accused the ruling TMC of facilitating illegal stay, while the TMC countered by questioning the BSF’s efficiency under central oversight. The incident raises critical questions about border security during such a high-stakes political season. The accused are scheduled to be produced in court today.