Gujarat man pleads against deportation of Bangladeshi wife who adopted Hinduism

A man from Gujarat's Anand district has made a heartfelt plea to the state government, urging them not to deport his wife, who was born in Bangladesh. The husband, Tarun Patel, asserts that his wife, identified as Kajal, has embraced Hinduism and fears her life would be endangered if she is sent back to her native country, citing threats from radical elements.

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She has adopted Hinduism and her family may not accept her back. I fear that her life will be in danger there due to radical elements. What will happen to our two children if they are separated from their mother?

Kajal was detained approximately two weeks ago for allegedly residing in India without valid documentation. Her case surfaces amidst "Operation Delta Hunt," a comprehensive statewide campaign by Gujarat police targeting illegal Bangladeshi immigrants. Official figures indicate that over 600 Bangladeshi nationals have been apprehended across Gujarat this month alone for illegal residency, with nearly 60 detained in Anand district.

Patel recounted meeting Kajal through Facebook around 2012-13 when she was in Bangladesh. He stated they fell in love, and Kajal attempted to obtain a passport for a legal marriage but failed. Facing pressure from her family to marry someone else, she eventually entered India illegally, eventually settling in Anand with Patel. They have been living together as a married couple and have two children, aged eight and two.

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She has adopted Hinduism and her family may not accept her back. I fear that her life will be in danger there due to radical elements. What will happen to our two children if they are separated from their mother?

According to Patel, Kajal adopted Hindu customs after coming to India and regularly visits temples. He is now appealing to the Minister of State for Home, Harsh Sanghavi, on humanitarian grounds. Patel emphasized Kajal's adoption of Hinduism, the potential lack of acceptance from her family back home, and the danger she might face. He also raised concerns about the impact on their two young children if their mother is separated from them. The family is willing to pursue legal avenues for Indian citizenship and requests sympathetic consideration to prevent her deportation.

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We are ready to comply with whatever legal process is required for getting Indian citizenship. My request is that she should not be deported and that her case should be considered sympathetically.