The home ministry has also directed states to identify and deport undocumented Bangladeshis
The Border Security Force (BSF) is set to receive more than 5,000 body-worn cameras to document operations along the India-Bangladesh border, including the deportation of undocumented migrants and incidents involving attacks on personnel.
Sources said select border outposts (BOPs) along the 4,096km frontier are also being equipped with biometric devices capable of recording fingerprints and iris scans of people detained for crossing illegally. The data will be shared with the Foreigners Registration Office to build a database of offenders.
The Union home ministry approved the procurement of the cameras in two phases following a review of security along the frontier, heightened since the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government in Bangladesh. The devices, which have night-vision capability and can record 12–14 hours of footage, are expected to serve as evidence in cases involving cross-border crime, including smuggling of drugs, cattle and fake currency, as well as human trafficking and infiltration.
The move comes amid Bangladesh’s complaints at bilateral forums that its nationals have been killed by Indian forces using excessive force, claims the BSF denies, saying live fire is used only as a last resort. Officials said the cameras will provide recorded proof in the event of disputes or investigations.
The home ministry has also directed states to identify and deport undocumented Bangladeshis. According to BSF data, between January and 15 July this year, 1,372 people were intercepted while attempting to enter India, and 3,536 were caught crossing in the opposite direction, compared with 2,425 incoming and 1,049 outgoing last year.
