In West Bengal, allegations have emerged that a Rohingya mother and her five-month-old infant are being held in the Baharampur Central Correctional Home even after completing their court-mandated sentence. The issue was highlighted in a letter sent to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) by the human rights group Bengal Human Rights Protection Forum (MASUM).

Kirit Roy, Secretary of MASUM, stated that 20-year-old Rohingya refugee Amina was arrested in May 2025 under India’s Foreigners Act. The court had sentenced her to six months’ imprisonment along with a fine of ₹1,000, which has since been paid. Despite this, Amina and her child have reportedly been in jail for over two months, which MASUM calls illegal and unconstitutional.

Amina is said to be a survivor of human trafficking and sexual violence. She had previously lived in a UNHCR-recognized refugee camp in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, where she gave birth. After being brought to India, she was arrested on charges of violating the law.

Kirit Roy said, “Keeping a young mother and her infant in custody after their sentence has been completed is against the law. This violates their constitutionally guaranteed rights to life, personal liberty, and equality.”

MASUM has urged the NHRC to conduct an immediate investigation, ensure the release of both mother and child, and hold accountable the officials who failed to implement the court’s orders.

The case has reignited debates in West Bengal over the safety and rights of Rohingya refugees.