Bangladeshi Vlogger Arrested for 5-Year Expired Visa
A Bangladeshi vlogger, Mufti Abdullah Al Masud, has been arrested in Gayeshpur, West Bengal, for living in India with an expired visa for nearly five years. According to police reports, Masud entered India in 2018 after receiving death threats in Bangladesh due to his controversial online content.
Authorities revealed that his visa expired in 2020, yet he continued to reside in India without valid documentation. The arrest was made following a joint operation by the state police, CID, and central intelligence agencies, after receiving information about his illegal stay.
Masud was reportedly asked to produce valid immigration papers within 24 hours but failed to do so, leading to his detention under provisions of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025. Investigations are also underway into the property owner and others who may have provided accommodation to him.
Officials noted that several Bangladeshi nationals were found to be living in the same rented premises, raising concerns about potential visa violations. Authorities are now examining how Masud managed to remain in India undetected for years despite the expiry of his travel documents.
The case highlights India’s increasing vigilance on foreign nationals overstaying visas, as enforcement of immigration laws continues to tighten under the new regulatory framework.