Bodh Gaya: A Bangladeshi national has been arrested in Bodh Gaya after he was found living in a monastery under a false identity, using a fake Aadhaar card and without valid immigration documents. The incident has raised serious concerns about border security and the potential misuse of religious institutions to evade detection.
The accused, 62-year-old Pawan Kanti Barua from Junuma Chhada village in Bangladesh’s Imami district, was found hiding in the premises of the Sleeping Buddha Temple. Initially identifying himself as Propul Chakma from Arunachal Pradesh, Barua presented an Aadhaar card with the same identity. However, police verification revealed the document to be forged.
The man was detained during a routine patrol by Bodh Gaya police on Wednesday night. Suspicious behaviour prompted officers to question him during checks at the Sleeping Buddha Monastery and Buddha International Welfare Mission near Amma village. Following intensive interrogation, Barua admitted to his real identity and illegal entry into India a month ago, reportedly travelling first to Arunachal Pradesh to obtain fake documents.
Barua had been residing at the monastery for 15 days. Authorities are now investigating his intent, including the possibility of links to a larger network or organisation.
“We’ve registered a case under various sections for illegal entry, identity fraud and forgery,” said Manoj Kumar Singh, officer-in-charge at Bodh Gaya police station. “He has been sent to judicial custody and central agencies have been alerted for further investigation.”
The incident comes amid growing scrutiny of the Sleeping Buddha Temple. An FIR had previously been filed against Aryapal, the temple’s in-charge, over allegations of assault and communal provocation during Buddha Jayanti celebrations. Police are also probing his suspected involvement in the current case.
