Acting on a specific tip-off, Tripura Police on Sunday morning arrested five persons in Kailashahar under Unakoti district, including three Bangladeshi nationals and two Indian touts, for illegally entering India and attempting to travel to Chennai.

Kailashahar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Tapas Malakar said a team of police personnel in plain clothes was carrying out surveillance at the Paiturbazar New Motor Stand area when they noticed suspicious activity involving five individuals preparing to leave for Chennai in a Maruti van via Dharmanagar in North Tripura district.

The police intercepted the vehicle after the occupants gave contradictory statements during initial questioning. Upon detailed interrogation, it was revealed that three of the arrested — Arman Hossain, Imran Hossain and Monir Hossain — are residents of the Comilla district of Bangladesh. They admitted to having illegally crossed the international border to enter Indian territory.

The remaining two accused, Faruk Mia and Abdul Qayyum, both residents of the Rangauti area, were arrested for allegedly arranging the illegal entry and facilitating the onward journey of the Bangladeshi nationals to Chennai.

All five accused were taken to Kailashahar Police Station from the Paiturbazar area for further interrogation. The Maruti van used in the operation has been seized and kept at the police station.

Police officials said the investigation is continuing to ascertain whether more persons are linked to the racket. The accused will be produced before the court as per legal procedure.