In verification drive K'taka police find 500 workers from Assam, Bengal without ID proofs

GUWAHATI: In an identity verification exercise carried out by police across coffee estates in Kodagu, around 5000 migrants, mostly from Assam and West Bengal, were gathered at centres in Madikeri, Virajpet and Kushalnagar for purpose of identification.

They were asked for their Aadhaar card, Permanent Account Number card and voter IDs.

There were 500 migrants who did not possess required documents, according to reports.

Superintendent of Police Suman D Pannekar said, "Among them, about 500 did not possess the required documents. The estate owners where these 500 workers are employed have been asked to collect the original documents. They have also been instructed not to send back these unverified workers.”

Pannekar also clarified that this was not carried out under any government order.

“The verification process is being conducted by Kodagu Police themselves. It is being done to control the crime rate in the district and to ensure safety of the residents. The police now have a database on the number of migrant workers. However, not all have appeared for the verification and steps will be taken to cover them too," she said, according to media reports.

Police have denied that this exercise was linked to NRC or CAA.

Also Read: Anti-CAA (Citizenship Amendment Act) protest by journalists in Jorhat

Also Watch: Stage Set for Republic Day 2020 Celebrations in Guwahati