Human Rights Watch (HRW) released a report on Thursday accusing Indian authorities of unlawfully forcing hundreds of Bengali-speaking Muslims into Bangladesh between May 7 and June 15. The report alleges that at least 1,500 Muslim men, women, and children were expelled, some beaten and stripped of their Indian identity papers. HRW cites Bangladeshi authorities as the source for these figures; India's government has not released any deportation statistics. The NGO states that the expulsions reflect broader discriminatory policies against Muslims, fueled by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Elaine Pearson, Asia director at HRW, stated that the Indian government's actions put thousands of vulnerable people at risk. The report criticizes the government's justification for the expulsions as unconvincing, claiming it disregarded due process rights and international human rights standards. The report details accounts from those expelled, including migrant workers who had their Indian citizenship documents destroyed and were physically assaulted. Many of those expelled were Indian nationals, not Bangladeshi citizens. The expulsions are linked to the BJP's Hindu-nationalist agenda, particularly in the context of upcoming elections in West Bengal.

Impact Statement: The report has significant implications for India's human rights record and its relationship with Bangladesh, potentially impacting future diplomatic relations and international scrutiny.