The State government has decided to designate a district jail in Salem as a ‘special camp’ to accommodate Bangladesh nationals as a temporary measure to restrict their movement until their eventual deportation.
The district jail in Attur has been designated as the ‘special camp’. There are about 180 Bangladesh nationals in Tamil Nadu against whom orders under Section 3(2)(e) of the Foreigners Act, 1946 are in effect till their deportation. The State government’s decision a few weeks ago follows a request from the Q Branch police for a ‘special camp’ in Attur District Jail to restrict the movement of Bangladesh nationals till their deportation.
The Q Branch had said about 180 Bangladesh nationals in Central Prison, Puzhal, would be accommodated at a special camp till the disposal of their cases and deportation. There is limited space at the special camp in Tiruchi, and hence, the decision to convert the jail in Attur into a special camp. This jail was found suitable as it was spread over 1.25 acres and was upgraded into a district jail over 15 years ago. The two-storey building on the campus with high walls has a capacity of around 200 prisoners, with each room capable of accommodating 20.
According to the Tamil Nadu Police, over 50 cases had been registered against 93 Bangladesh nationals in 2024. During multiple operations by the Anti-Terrorist Squad in Tiruppur district in January this year, 59 Bangladesh nationals staying illegally in the State were apprehended. Intelligence inputs about Bangladesh immigrants who enter Tamil Nadu illegally have been collected and shared with senior police authorities.
Published – August 11, 2025 12:30 am IST
