New Delhi, Oct 13: Stepping up its operation and crackdown on illegal immigrants, the Delhi Police on Monday apprehended six African nationals staying illegally in the city.

The foreign nationals apparently exceeded their permit and overstayed in the national capital, leading to action and the subsequent initiation of deportation proceedings.

The foreign nationals were nabbed by the Nihal Vihar unit of Delhi Police in routine patrolling during the weekend.

During patrolling, the police team received a tip-off about foreign nationals illegally residing in a house in Chander Vihar. Acting swiftly on the intel inputs, the team reached the designated spot, where six foreign nationals were residing. On sensing the police presence, they tried to escape in a bid to evade their arrest. Displaying alertness and prompt action, the team chased down and successfully apprehended all of them on the spot.

The six African nationals were identified as Frank Fotching, Romeo Lucien, Malk Faraday, Samunel, Evans Danso, and Innousa.

During interrogation, they were asked to produce travel documents, including their passports and visas, which they failed to provide. Upon further questioning, the individuals admitted that their visas had expired.

Verification confirmed that all six had overstayed their visas and were residing in Delhi in violation of immigration regulations. They failed to provide any valid justification for their unauthorised stay.

A case under Section 14(c) of the Foreigners Act was registered at Nihal Vihar police station against the house owner for illegally harbouring the foreign national, and legal deportation proceedings were initiated in accordance with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO).

At present, all six individuals are lodged at the Detention Centre, Sewa Sadan, Lampur, Narela (Delhi), for further deportation proceedings.

Similar drives by dedicated police teams are being conducted across the national capital to conduct field verification, gather actionable intelligence, and implement preventive measures to identify, detain, and deport such individuals who are staying without valid documentation.

Mumbai: In a shocking incident, the Customs Department arrested an Indian passenger at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport on Saturday after finding 61 rare wild animals hidden inside his luggage. The passenger had arrived from Bangkok, officials confirmed.

According to Customs officials, the man’s behaviour appeared suspicious, prompting a detailed luggage check. To their surprise, they discovered several live wild animals packed inside. All 61 animals were immediately rescued and handed over to the Rescue Association for Wildlife Welfare (RAW) for treatment and care.

Officials said the seized animals included several endangered species of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and insects. Among them were black and white tegus, cuscus, central bearded dragons, and Honduran milk snakes. The animals are now being nursed back to health and will be sent to their countries of origin.

The Wildlife Crime Control Cell has been informed, and an investigation is underway to find out how the animals were obtained and what their intended purpose was. The arrested passenger faces charges under the Wildlife Protection Act and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).

RAW Director Pawan Sharma said Thailand has become a hub for wildlife trafficking because it is home to many exotic animal species, and the trade of such animals is legal there. He added that direct and affordable flights from Bangkok make it easier for smugglers to attempt bringing such wildlife into India.

Wildlife trafficking is considered a serious crime in India. It involves capturing, selling, or transporting wild animals and birds illegally across borders. These animals are often kept hidden in cramped spaces, leading to severe suffering and, in many cases, death.

Mumbai: The DB Marg Police have arrested Channa Begum Shaikh alias Roja (38), a woman accused in a 2013 case registered under Sections 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 9 of the Prevention of Immoral Trafficking Act (PITA). Roja had been absconding for the past 12 years.

The Sessions Court had recently issued a standing non-bailable warrant against Roja, directing the DB Marg Police to trace and arrest her. Acting on confidential information, the police learned she was working at a cosmetic shop in Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh.

A team led by PSI Azeem Shaikh conducted technical surveillance, traced her mobile number, analyzed CDR records, and identified her frequent contacts. Based on the findings, the DB Marg Police, with local police assistance, tracked and apprehended Roja from her workplace.

During questioning, Roja admitted to evading court appearances since 2013. Following Supreme Court guidelines, she was formally arrested and produced before the Kadapa court, which granted a five-day transit remand. She will be presented before the Sessions Court in Mumbai on October 11 for further remand proceedings.

The operation was carried out by the Wanted Fugitive Tracking Unit under the Girgum Division of Zone 2, Mumbai Police. Authorities commended the team’s persistence in capturing a fugitive who evaded law for over a decade.