Gujarat man urges govt not to deport his Bangladesh-born wife, says she has adopted Hinduism

Gujarat Man Urges Govt Not to Deport His Bangladesh-Born Wife, Embraces Hindu Identity

Gujarat man urges govt not to deport his wife, who has embraced Hinduism, is at the center of a growing controversy over the state’s immigration policies. A resident of Anand district, Tarun Patel, has been fighting to keep his spouse, Kajal, from being sent back to Bangladesh, arguing that her cultural and religious transformation has made her an integral part of Indian society. Patel’s plea highlights the human cost of deportation orders and the emotional strain on families caught in the crossfire of bureaucratic decisions.

Deportation Under Operation Delta Hunt Sparks Community Concern

Kajal, a Bangladeshi national, was arrested approximately two weeks ago for overstaying her visa in India. This arrest followed the implementation of “Operation Delta Hunt,” a state-led initiative by Gujarat police aimed at identifying and detaining undocumented immigrants. The operation has been a focal point of public debate, with critics citing its strict enforcement as a potential threat to families of migrants. Patel claims that his wife’s return to Bangladesh could expose her to radical groups, endangering her safety and the stability of his household.

According to the Gujarat Directorate General of Police, over 600 Bangladeshi nationals have been detained in the state this month under the operation. Anand district alone has seen nearly 60 such cases, with Kajal being one of the latest. While the government emphasizes the need for stricter immigration controls, Patel’s case underscores the personal stories behind the statistics. “My wife has not only lived in India for a decade but has also become a part of this family,” he stated, expressing hope that the authorities would consider her religious and cultural ties.

A Love Story Across Borders

The couple’s journey began in 2012–13 when Patel met Kajal on Facebook while she was still in Bangladesh. Their relationship developed over time, but Kajal faced resistance from her family, who wanted her to marry someone else. Determined to stay with Patel, she entered India illegally and settled in Anand, where she began adapting to her new life. Patel said that their marriage was formalized through Hindu rituals after Kajal relocated to India, marking a significant shift in her spiritual identity.

Kajal’s conversion to Hinduism has become a central argument in Patel’s appeal. He insists that she has fully embraced the faith, participating in religious ceremonies and raising their children in a Hindu environment. The couple’s two children, aged eight and two, have not seen their mother since her arrest, adding urgency to Patel’s request for a compassionate review. “She is not just my wife but the heart of our family,” Patel said, emphasizing that her deportation would disrupt their lives and leave them in emotional turmoil.

Legal Challenges and Family Bonds

Patel has approached Gujarat’s Minister of State for Home, Harsh Sanghavi, to seek relief for his wife. He has provided documents proving her conversion and highlighted the risks she faces in Bangladesh, where radical groups may target her for her beliefs. “What will become of our children without their mother?” Patel asked, illustrating the personal stakes involved. His appeal has drawn attention from local activists and human rights organizations, who are calling for a more inclusive approach to immigration policies.

“We have been living as a family since she arrived in India. Her conversion to Hinduism means she may not be accepted by her relatives, and radical groups could threaten her safety,” Patel explained. This statement, combined with evidence of their long-term integration, has been used to argue for Kajal’s case to be reviewed under humanitarian grounds. The police have initiated deportation procedures, but Patel is willing to support the legal process to secure Indian citizenship for his wife.

Public Reaction and Ongoing Legal Proceedings

The incident has sparked discussions about the balance between immigration enforcement and humanitarian considerations. Social media users in Gujarat have rallied behind Patel’s cause, using the hashtag #SaveKajal to draw attention to his family’s plight. Meanwhile, the Anand police station continues to process Kajal’s case, with her current detention at a women’s shelter raising questions about the treatment of migrant women. Patel’s eldest son, Dhyan, has also joined the appeal, expressing his fear of being separated from his mother.

Authorities have maintained that deportation is necessary to address the influx of undocumented migrants. However, the case of Kajal and Patel has exposed the challenges faced by families in such situations. The Gujarat government is now under pressure to demonstrate that the deportation of individuals who have adopted local culture is not a blanket approach but a measured one. As the legal proceedings continue, the couple’s story remains a symbol of the human impact of immigration policies on personal lives.