A political storm has erupted after Uttam Kumar Brajbasi, a 50-year-old resident of Sadial’s Kuthi area in Chowdhury Hat under Dinhata sub-division, received a notice from the Assam government accusing him of being an illegal infiltrator. Despite claiming lifelong residency in Cooch Behar and having roots in Bengal, Brajbasi has been asked to prove his Indian citizenship by July 15, or face official declaration as an illegal immigrant.

Assam Alleges Illegal Entry Between 1966–71

According to the notice, Assam authorities allege that Brajbasi entered the country illegally via the Assam border sometime between 1966 and 1971. The accusation surfaced following a police verification in which Brajbasi allegedly failed to provide proper documentation.

“I’ve Never Left Cooch Behar,” Claims Brajbasi. Speaking to reporters, Brajbasi expressed shock and disbelief.

“In January last year, police delivered a letter related to NRC at my home. After talking to neighbours, I learned I was accused of being an illegal immigrant. That’s completely false—I’ve never even left Cooch Behar,” he said.

Delayed Communication and Disputed Documentation

Brajbasi’s lawyer, Apurba Sinha, stated that the NRC case was initiated by Assam in 2015, but the letter only reached the Cooch Behar District Superintendent of Police in December 2024. Brajbasi was served the formal notice in January 2025. Sinha further claimed that Assam authorities have refused to accept vital citizenship documents and are now demanding proof of voter list inclusion dating back to 1966—records local and state administrations no longer maintain.

Political Fallout: TMC and BJP at Odds

The incident has intensified the political debate over NRC and CAA in Bengal.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, a long-time critic of both the NRC and CAA, alleged that the Election Commission is “implementing NRC through backdoors,” with Bengal being the main target.

Meanwhile, North Bengal Development Minister Udayan Guha strongly condemned the move.

“Uttam Kumar Brajbasi is an Indian citizen and a member of a Scheduled Caste. We question how the Kamrup (Assam) SP had the authority to issue such a notice. We will take this issue to every appropriate forum,” he asserted.

On the other hand, BJP MLA Sushil Barman from Mathabhanga accused the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) of politicising the matter.“This is a strategy by TMC. If they really cared, they would have addressed it long ago. They are simply trying to tarnish the BJP’s image,” he said.