Sunali Khatun, a pregnant Bengali woman who was deported to Bangladesh in June 2025 on suspicion of being a foreign national, gave birth to a healthy baby boy on January 5, 2026, at Rampurhat Medical College and Hospital in Birbhum district. The delivery marks a moment of personal triumph for Khatun, who endured six months of separation from her home in West Bengal after authorities in Delhi forcibly sent her to Dhaka while she was heavily pregnant, along with her 8-year-old son. Following a Supreme Court intervention in December 2025, she was permitted to return to India, where she has since been under medical supervision.

The case has spotlighted alleged flaws in India's citizenship verification and deportation processes, particularly in border states like West Bengal, where individuals are sometimes flagged as Bangladeshi migrants based on limited documentation or language issues. Khatun consistently maintained her Indian citizenship, a claim ultimately upheld by the top court, which ordered her repatriation. The incident has drawn criticism from rights groups and political figures who argue that such actions reflect overzealous enforcement and a lack of due process, often affecting vulnerable populations, including women and children.

Trinamool Congress General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee, who has championed Khatun's cause, expressed profound joy at the news of the birth through a post on X (formerly Twitter). He described the event as deeply moving, especially given the "injustice" and "abuse of power" she faced after being "falsely branded as a Bangladeshi" and deported by the Delhi Police and Union government. Banerjee announced plans to visit Khatun and her newborn at Rampurhat Medical College and Hospital on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, to offer personal congratulations and continued support. His involvement highlights the political dimension of the case in West Bengal, where the ruling Trinamool Congress has frequently accused the central government of targeting Bengali residents under the guise of immigration control.

Also Read: Unnao Rape Convict’s Daughter Writes Open Letter After Supreme Court Stays Bail

The birth of Khatun's son has brought renewed attention to the human impact of citizenship disputes along the India-Bangladesh border. As the family begins this new chapter, the incident continues to fuel calls for more transparent, humane, and evidence-based procedures in handling suspected illegal migration cases. Authorities have yet to comment officially on Banerjee's statements or the broader implications raised by the case.

Also Read: Tata Group Hunts for New Air India CEO Ahead of 2027 Leadership Change