Kolkata Police forms STF to track illegal migrants
Times of India | 19 July 2026
Kolkata: Kolkata Police has set up a Special Task Force (STF-D) to identify, trace and process overstaying foreign nationals and illegal migrants in the city, acting on directions from the Union home ministry and the Bengal home and hill affairs department.
The STF-D, headed by the deputy commissioner of police (II), southern division, will comprise officers from the residential permit section, investigation cell, foreigners’ enquiry section and illegal migrants cell. It has been asked to begin work immediately.
According to the police order, the task force will verify records of overstaying foreign nationals and suspected illegal migrants, conduct field inquiries and coordinate with divisional deputy commissioners, the intelligence branch and the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO), Kolkata.
It will take action under applicable laws, including the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, and initiate detention and deportation proceedings wherever required.
Divisional deputy commissioners have been directed to expedite pending inquiries involving foreign nationals, provide manpower and logistical support, verify addresses furnished in mandatory ‘C’ Forms filed by hotels and other accommodation providers, and submit regular progress reports.
The order said the STF-D could seek assistance from any police unit. Progress reports will be routed through senior special branch and intelligence officers to the police commissioner, while consolidated detention and deportation reports will be shared with the FRRO.