UP Police Conduct ‘Bangladeshi Identification’ Using Mobile Phones in Ghaziabad

New Delhi: Videos showing Uttar Pradesh Police personnel using mobile phones to allegedly identify 'Bangladeshis' during inspections in Ghaziabad have gone viral on social media, drawing widespread attention. The incident took place in Cheri area of Bhopapur in Ghaziabad district and was reportedly recorded on December 23.

According to the visuals, police officers were seen placing a mobile phone on the back of individuals during a verification drive and claiming that the device could identify whether a person was from Bangladesh. The inspection was carried out under the leadership of Kaushambi police station in-charge Ajay Kumar.

In the video clips circulating online, police personnel are heard asking an individual whether he was a Bangladeshi after placing the mobile phone on his back. The person undergoing the check stated that he was a resident of Araria district in Bihar. Despite this, the police officers insisted that “the machine shows that you are a Bangladeshi,” as heard clearly in the footage.

Residents of the area have stated that the individuals subjected to the checks were local slum dwellers. The mobile phone was used in a manner resembling a scanning device, with officers touching it against people’s backs as part of the inspection process. No documents such as Aadhaar cards, voter identity cards, or other forms of identification were seen being verified in the videos.

The inspection was part of a drive conducted to identify alleged illegal immigrants. Similar drives have been carried out in several parts of Uttar Pradesh in recent months. Complaints have been raised by residents and civil groups in various instances alleging harassment during such verification exercises.

Reacting to the incident, Indirapuram Assistant Commissioner of Police Abhishek Srivastava stated that the mobile-based check was part of a routine police procedure. However, no detailed explanation has been provided regarding the technology or method used for such identification.

The viral videos have prompted senior police officials to take note of the matter, sources said. As of now, the Ghaziabad Police have not issued an official statement clarifying the nature of the device used or the basis on which the identification was conducted.

The incident has triggered extensive discussion on social media platforms, with users questioning the procedure followed during the inspection. Authorities have not yet announced whether an internal inquiry will be conducted into the matter.