Thane, Maharashtra | March 1, 2025: A district court in Thane, Maharashtra, has convicted a 36-year-old Bangladeshi woman, Taniya Yunus Shaikh, for illegally residing in India without valid documentation. Additional Sessions Judge Vasudha L. Bhosale sentenced Shaikh to imprisonment for a period of 14 months and 18 days, which she has already served, and ordered her deportation.
The court's decision, dated February 27 and released publicly on Saturday, highlights that Shaikh was residing unlawfully in the Mira Road (East) area, located on the outskirts of Mumbai. During the trial, Additional Public Prosecutor R.P. Patil informed the court that Shaikh lacked a valid passport or visa, violating the provisions of India's Foreigners Act.
Judge Bhosale emphasized in her judgment that the responsibility to prove nationality under the Foreigners Act lies entirely with the accused. "The accused has no permanent or temporary address in India and failed to provide any valid proof of Indian nationality. She herself admitted during the inquiry that she is a Bangladeshi citizen," the order stated.
The judge further noted that there was no reason to doubt the credibility of the testimonies presented by both the investigating officer and the complainant. After carefully considering arguments from both the prosecution and the defence, the court pronounced Shaikh guilty.
In addition to the prison sentence, Shaikh has been ordered to pay a fine of Rs 1,000. Failure to pay this fine will result in an additional month of rigorous imprisonment, according to the court directive.
Shaikh had already completed the sentence duration, having been incarcerated since her arrest on December 9, 2023. Arrangements are now being made to deport her back to Bangladesh.
Last updated by a enewsx:
