Mira Road: A 36-year-old mason from West Bengal, Mehboob Shaikh, who had been working in Mira Road for the past two years, was allegedly pushed into Bangladesh by the Border Security Force (BSF) on June 14, even though his family submitting documents to prove his Indian citizenship.

According to his family, Mehboob was detained by the Mira-Bhayandar Vasai-Virar (MBVV) police on June 11 on suspicions of being an illegal Bangladeshi migrant. He was taken to Kanakia police station and later, allegedly handed over to the BSF in Siliguri.

“He called us from the police station,” said his brother, Mujibur Shaikh. “By June 13, we sent all his documents—Aadhaar, voter ID, ration card, and our family tree certified by the gram panchayat—to the MBVV Police. Yet, they deported him.”

Samirul Islam, chairman of the West Bengal Migrant Welfare Board, alleged a complete breakdown of coordination. “Despite our repeated efforts, MBVV Police didn’t inform us before he was handed over to BSF,” he said.

Senior police inspector Meghna Burande of Mira Road police station, however, defended the police action. “Several suspects, including Mehboob Shaikh, were detained on June 11. He failed to produce valid documentary proof such as a birth certificate or any conclusive evidence of his Indian nationality. Aadhaar and PAN cards alone are not considered proof of citizenship due to the possibility of fraudulent acquisition.”

The family said Mehboob called them from Bangladesh around 3:30 am on June 14, saying he had been pushed across the border. “He has a wife and three children here. We just want him back,” Mujibur said.

The incident has reignited debate over the legality and ethics of cross-border 'push-over' deportations without due judicial process.