Hyderabad, February 17 – The Hyderabad Police apprehended 23 foreigners for overstaying in the country during a large-scale Cordon and Search Operation.
Acting on credible intelligence regarding the illegal stay of individuals, a massive Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) was conducted within the jurisdiction of the Tolichowki Police Station of the Golconda Zone.
The operation, conducted on Monday night, focused on Paramount Colony (Gates 1 to 4), IAS Colony, and Hakeempet Kunta, a police officer said on Tuesday.
Under the direct supervision of G. Chandra Mohan, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Golconda Zone, a force of 250 personnel was deployed.
The operation involved 10 search parties, seven cutoff parties, five lifting parties, and two holding points.
The primary objective was to identify foreigners whose visas had expired. With the assistance of the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO), Hyderabad, officials identified 23 foreigners from various countries who were residing illegally.
In addition to detaining the illegal residents, the police seized 30 two-wheelers without valid documents, nine gas cylinders (three large and six small) used for illegal gas refilling, and 53 liquor bottles (180ml and 90ml) possessed/sold illegally.
The DCP said that the Golconda Zone police remain committed to ensuring public safety and strictly enforcing residency laws. Further legal action is being initiated against the violators, he said.
The police have not revealed the nationalities of those found to be staying with invalid visas and passports. Several foreigners, mostly from African countries, reside in Paramount Colony and other parts of Tolichowki.
Similar operations have been conducted on multiple occasions in the past to identify foreigners illegally staying in the city.
In recent months, the police, in coordination with FRRO and other agencies, have deported foreigners who were found to be staying even after the expiry of their visas. This action was taken in many cases allegedly involving foreigners and drugs.
Last month, a Nigerian national was arrested by the Hyderabad Narcotics Enforcement Wing (H-NEW) for allegedly overstaying in India illegally and associating with drug peddlers, and was deported to Nigeria to prevent activities deemed detrimental to national security.
