Bengaluru cracks down on illegal Africans, visas to be re-checked

There are an estimated 6000 African citizens in Bengaluru, of whom some 155 have expired visas. After months of friction, City Police Commissioner says Africans must be peaceful and live in harmony with the locals In the meanwhile, a tenants' association has called for meeting after Africans were refused houses for rent.

An interaction between Bengaluru's police and several African groups saw some hard truths being exchanged, with the Commissioner stating that strict action would be taken against visa defaulters.

Speaking at an interaction session organised on Sunday in Banaswadi, Additional Commissioner Hemanth Nimbalkar said that though there were an estimated 6,000 African citizens residing in the city, some 155 of them were overstaying their Visa permit. Stringent action will be taken against those who are overstaying, he added. 

He advised the Africans to live in harmony and peace with the locals, reported Kannada Prabha. In the same meet, an African national complained that the City police are harassing them unnecessarily under the pretect of investigations. Responding to that, Nimbalkar said several Africans are engaged in drug peddling. Hence wherever an allegation is raised, the police will investigate. 

Another man complained that the Africans are not getting houses for rent and are put to hardships. Answering to that Nimbalkar said a meeting will be called with the Tenants Association and the problem will be solved