Human Rights Watch (HRW) has expressed deep concern over allegations that Indian authorities forcibly pushed back around 5,000 ethnic Bengali Muslims to Bangladesh without any legal process. The organization claimed that these actions took place after Suvendu came to power in West Bengal, with many affected individuals reportedly holding valid Indian identification documents but still being labeled as illegal immigrants.

According to HRW’s report, India’s Border Security Force (BSF) attempted multiple pushbacks along the Bangladesh border since June 1, 2026. One incident at the Panchagarh border reportedly resulted in a 75-hour standoff, leaving several families stranded in dire conditions at the zero line. Officials have acknowledged that a post-election policy was implemented in West Bengal to identify and deport alleged illegal immigrants, leading to detentions and forced removals.

HRW further alleged that many people were removed from voter lists and denied opportunities for legal recourse. The organization urged both India and Bangladesh to halt forced deportations and pushbacks, emphasizing adherence to human rights and international law.