New Delhi, Aug 14 : As part of its ongoing drive against foreign nationals violating visa norms, the Foreigner Cell of the Special Staff, Central District, Delhi Police on Friday has apprehended two Bangladeshi nationals for overstaying beyond the period permitted under their visas during Operation VISTA 1.0.

The operation, launched to verify the visa status of foreign nationals residing in the national Capital and to initiate legal action against those violating immigration regulations, involved extensive checks at hotels and guest houses across Central Delhi.

During a verification drive conducted at a hotel on Arakashan Road in the Nabi Karim area, police officials found two Bangladeshi nationals staying at the premises. Upon examining their travel documents, including passports and visas, officials discovered that both individuals had exceeded the maximum duration of stay permitted under their visa conditions.

According to Delhi Police, the two foreign nationals had entered India on June 23 on double-entry visas. While their passports remained valid until September 3, the visa conditions allowed them to stay in India for only 15 days per visit. Detailed scrutiny of their documents revealed that both had continued to remain in the country beyond the authorised period, thereby violating visa regulations.

The apprehended individuals were identified as 23-year-old MD Anharul Islam Sourob Khan, a resident of Habiganj, Bangladesh, and 27-year-old Tarikul Islam Sujan, a resident of Cumilla, Bangladesh.

Following the verification process, both were taken into custody and produced before the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) for further legal proceedings.

Police said that during questioning, the two individuals were asked about their entry into India, purpose of visit, visa conditions and duration of stay. Verification of their travel records confirmed that they had overstayed beyond the permissible limit specified in their visas.

A dedicated team of the Foreigner Cell, Special Staff, Central District, carried out the operation under the leadership of Inspector Sandeep Yadav, In-Charge of Special Staff, Central District, and under the overall supervision of ACP (Operations) Padam Singh Rana.

The team included Head Constables Narender, Mohit, Vikas, Rajbir and Manish, along with Constable Jayant and Women Constables Garima and Amit Kumari.

As part of the operation, the team conducted systematic inspections at several hotels and guest houses across the district, checking the identities, passport details, visa status and travel records of foreign nationals staying at these establishments.

After examining the documents of the two Bangladeshi nationals, police established that the permissible period of stay granted under their visas had expired. Consequently, action was initiated against them for violating visa conditions.

The FRRO subsequently issued Restriction Orders against both individuals and directed that they be lodged at the Detention Centre located at Sewa Dham, Shahzada Bagh, Sarai Rohilla, Delhi, pending further proceedings.

Officials said deportation proceedings have now been initiated against the two foreign nationals in accordance with the provisions of immigration and foreigner-related laws.

During the course of the enquiry, authorities examined and verified the passports, visas and other travel-related documents of both individuals. No previous criminal involvement or adverse record was found against either of the apprehended foreign nationals.

Delhi Police stated that the action forms part of Operation VISTA 1.0, an ongoing initiative aimed at identifying foreign nationals who violate visa conditions, overstay their authorised period of residence or otherwise breach immigration norms. The operation seeks to ensure strict compliance with visa regulations and strengthen monitoring of foreign nationals residing in the national Capital.

/IANS