How an Assam Foreigners Tribunal notice upturned a Bengal man’s life, put him in middle of TMC-BJP duel
In June 2025, 52-year-old Kartick Mondal received a letter that turned his world upside down. The daily wage laborer from West Bengal’s Nadia district was shocked. The letter claimed he was an illegal immigrant from Bangladesh.
The Foreigners Tribunal (FT) in Assam had issued the notice. It instructed Kartick to appear in Morigaon district and prove his citizenship. The problem? He has never even visited Assam.
This case, seemingly a clerical error, quickly drew political attention. TMC and BJP leaders clashed, turning Kartick into an unwilling participant in a heated debate over the NRC and CAA.
The Tribunal Notice: Wrong Man, Right Name?
The notice listed a person with the same name and father’s name. However, Kartick has all valid documents — Aadhaar, ration card, voter ID, and land papers dating back decades.
Still, the tribunal’s summons raised doubts about his citizenship. He suddenly became a suspect, even though his family has lived in Bengal for generations.
Emotional and Financial Toll on the Family
“How can I be a foreigner in my own land?” Kartick asked, his voice trembling. His son had to skip school to help gather documents. The family ran from one office to another.
They hired a lawyer to respond to the Assam tribunal. The legal process cost them ₹35,000. Since they couldn’t afford it, they borrowed from neighbors.
Now, they live in fear of arrest or detention. They don’t know what might happen next.
TMC Accuses BJP of Using Fear, BJP Hits Back
TMC leaders quickly reacted to Kartick’s case. They accused the BJP of weaponizing the NRC to harass poor and marginalized citizens.
“This is what happens when BJP plays with people’s identity,” said TMC MP Mahua Moitra. “Kartick is just one victim. Thousands more may follow.”
The BJP dismissed the claims. Assam BJP leaders said such errors are unfortunate but rare. Bengal BJP accused the TMC of politicizing an administrative slip.
NRC and CAA Back in the Spotlight
This case reignited debates over citizenship laws in both Assam and Bengal. While NRC was carried out in Assam under court supervision, Bengal has yet to see an official rollout.
The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), passed in 2019, also remains in limbo. The BJP claims it protects minorities from neighboring countries. But the TMC argues it unfairly targets Muslims.
Kartick’s story, however, suggests deeper flaws. Faulty data or wrong identity matches can destroy lives.
No Clear Way to Correct the Mistake
What makes Kartick’s case worse is the lack of a clear way to fix it. Legal experts say Foreigners Tribunals work fast but often ignore details.
“Imagine getting a legal notice from a state you’ve never been to,” said a retired Calcutta High Court judge. “How does a common man fight back?”
Without clear guidelines, people like Kartick are left confused and helpless.
Civil Rights Groups Raise Alarm
Several rights groups have stepped in. They say such cases highlight the dangers of unchecked data-sharing and flawed verification processes.
“There’s growing fear among citizens,” said Anjali Bhardwaj of the National Campaign for People’s Right to Information (NCPRI). “Anyone can get caught in this trap.”
She added that ordinary people can’t afford legal battles in far-off states. And the system offers little support.
A Man Trapped Between Systems and Politics
Kartick is now a symbol of a larger crisis. His case is not just about a tribunal error — it’s about what happens when bureaucracy, politics, and identity collide.
Even if he proves his innocence, the damage is already done. The trauma, social stigma, and debt will stay with him for life.
As Bengal heads toward elections, Kartick’s story may become a rallying point. For now, he just wants peace — and to be seen as what he truly is: an Indian citizen.
