The Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Sarma, has stated that an elderly woman recently expelled across the international border to Bangladesh is safe and accounted for. However, this official reassurance stands in direct contradiction to claims made by the woman’s family, who report they have been unable to contact her or determine her actual location.
The individual at the center of the dispute is Mumtaz Begum, whose sudden deportation has triggered a legal and humanitarian standoff. Her son, Momruz Ali, has publicly challenged the state administration's assertion regarding her well-being. Speaking to reporters and appealing to public officials, Ali stated that his mother is missing and untraceable, leaving the family in deep distress as they search for answers on both sides of the border.
The situation has also drawn the attention of the judiciary. The Gauhati High Court recently intervened in the matter, directing state authorities to launch a thorough search to locate Begum and ensure her safe return. Additionally, the court ordered the government to provide interim financial compensation to her husband while the legal proceedings continue.
Despite official statements from Assam authorities suggesting that Begum was successfully transferred and is secure, preliminary efforts by relatives and local contacts to locate her within Bangladesh have produced no results. Ali continues to plead with government agencies in both nations to intervene, clarify her exact whereabouts, and facilitate communication or reunification.
The case highlights ongoing complexities surrounding deportation procedures, border enforcement, and accountability within India's northeastern frontier regions. As family members press for concrete proof of safety and independent verification, legal experts anticipate further scrutiny from the judiciary regarding the protocols followed during the expulsion.
Reporting based on coverage first published by The Times of India. Read the original report at The Times of India.
