In brief
Sunali Khatun, a 25-year-old domestic worker from West Bengal, shares her harrowing experience of being deported to Bangladesh with her family on suspicions of illegal immigration. Despite being Indian citizens, she emphasizes the lack of due process in their deportation, alleging mistreatment and the subsequent impact on her family. As she awaits the return of her husband, both caught in a legal limbo, the story highlights broader issues regarding the treatment of Bengali-speaking Muslims in India amidst rising nationalism.
I was scared that my child's nationality would change if he was born in Bangladesh, says Sunali Khatun, who was deported back to India from Bangladesh after spending over a hundred days in jail with her family. The 25-year-old domestic worker was detained in Delhi with her husband, Danish Sheikh, and their eight-year-old son, after being accused of being illegal immigrants. Her case became a focal point of controversy, drawing criticism from her home state's government for the federal handling of her situation. After their arrest, Sunali and her family were deported despite claims of their Indian citizenship, which led to them being incarcerated in Bangladesh. Human rights activists have criticized the recent surge in these deportations, particularly emphasizing the targeting of Bengali-speaking Muslims. Back in India, the uproar surrounding her deportation continues, with her case pending in the Supreme Court. Sunali, now relieved to be back and expecting another child, reflects on the emotional turmoil of separation from her husband, who remains trapped in Bangladesh, an experience she describes as tearing her family apart. The broader implications of such actions highlight rising tensions between identity and nationality amidst India's complex migration landscape.
