Four civil rights, lawyers’ and labour organisations have alleged that hundreds of migrant workers were detained in Bengaluru, India, during a purported operation to identify Bangladeshis. The groups said women and children were among those held and submitted a complaint to Karnataka’s home minister, director general of police and Bengaluru police commissioner. The report was published on August 9, 2026.

The complainants alleged illegal detention, beatings and inhuman treatment during the police operation. They said police went door to door in slums and working-class neighbourhoods early Saturday, seeking identity documents, but forcibly detained many people despite documents being shown. Those detained were allegedly taken in police jeeps or buses to police stations, convention centres, marriage halls and other locations.

The organisations alleged that more than 200 people were detained in Bandepalya, about 150 in Hebbagodi and over 400 in Parappana Agrahara, with further detentions reported elsewhere. They also alleged beatings at Varthur police station, damage to doors and CCTV cameras in Hebbagodi, and the seizure of more than 50 phones. They demanded immediate release, medical treatment for injured people, an independent investigation, action against officers, preservation of evidence and compensation.