According to the latest National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data for 2024, Bangladeshi nationals accounted for the highest number of foreign nationals arrested in criminal cases across India at 3,091, followed by Nigerians (509), Nepalis (476), and Myanmar nationals (245).
The report also shows that West Bengal recorded the highest number of crimes involving foreigners among states, while Delhi topped Union Territories. Officials have attributed most arrests to violations under immigration, passport, narcotics and cybercrime-related laws, highlighting both enforcement and documentation challenges linked to cross-border movement.
Foreign Nationals And Crime Arrests
The NCRB’s latest annual crime report reveals that a total of 4,794 foreign nationals were arrested in India in 2024, reflecting a wide range of alleged offences under various laws. Bangladeshi nationals topped the list with 3,091 arrests, significantly higher than other nationalities. Nigerians followed with 509 arrests, while Nepalis and Myanmar nationals accounted for 476 and 245 arrests respectively.
Officials cited in the report said that a large proportion of these cases were linked to violations of immigration-related laws such as the Foreigners Act, Registration of Foreigners Act, and Passport Act. In several instances, foreign nationals were also booked under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, cybercrime provisions, and offences under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including cheating, theft, forgery and in some cases violent crimes. The NCRB data further highlights that enforcement patterns vary significantly depending on geography and border proximity, with states sharing international borders reporting a higher concentration of such cases.
West Bengal Emerges As A Key Hotspot
The report points to West Bengal as the state recording the highest number of crimes involving foreign nationals, with 992 cases in 2024. Delhi, meanwhile, recorded the highest number among Union Territories, both in crimes committed by and against foreigners.
Officials suggest that West Bengal’s figures are influenced by its long and porous international border with Bangladesh, which often leads to irregular migration, documentation issues and frequent enforcement action under immigration laws. The NCRB data also indicates that a substantial share of foreign nationals lodged in correctional facilities in India are in the state, largely for alleged illegal entry cases. Delhi’s higher numbers, meanwhile, are attributed to its status as a major transit and economic hub, where foreign nationals are more frequently involved in both commercial activity and reported offences.
Trends In Offences And Broader Context
Beyond arrests, the NCRB report also notes evolving patterns in crime involving foreigners. Immigration and documentation violations remain the most common category, but there are growing instances of narcotics-related arrests, cyber fraud cases and financial offences.
Experts note that such data should be read in context, as many arrests stem from regulatory breaches rather than serious violent crime. In recent years, India has also seen increased focus on tightening border enforcement and digital tracking of foreign nationals, especially in states with high cross-border movement.
At the same time, crimes against foreigners in India have also shown a slight increase, reflecting concerns around safety of tourists and expatriates. Theft, assault and trafficking-related offences remain the most reported categories in such cases.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
While NCRB data provides important insights into enforcement trends, it is crucial that such statistics are not interpreted in a way that stigmatizes entire communities or nationalities. Most of the cases highlighted relate to immigration or documentation issues, which point more towards systemic and administrative challenges than inherent criminality.
India’s diversity and its long history of cross-border cultural and economic exchange require a humane and balanced approach to migration, law enforcement and international relations. At the same time, strengthening legal pathways for migration, improving documentation systems and ensuring fair due process are essential to prevent misuse of data-driven narratives. As conversations around migration and national security continue, how can India ensure both strong border management and protection of human dignity without fostering xenophobia or collective suspicion?
Bangladeshi nationals accounted for the highest number of foreign nationals arrested in connection with criminal cases across the country at 3,091 in 2024, followed by Nigerians at 509, Nepalis at 476, and Myanmar nationals at 245, the report saidhttps://t.co/VKBiDe5bXj pic.twitter.com/oP0YpFt4hg
— The Telegraph (@ttindia) May 8, 2026
