370 foreign nationals overstaying in Telangana, 20 students missing from colleges

Hyderabad: A recent verification drive by the Telangana Anti Narcotics Bureau has raised serious concerns over foreign nationals overstaying in the state. The investigation revealed that more than 370 foreigners, who entered Telangana on various visas—including student, business, and medical visas—have exceeded their permitted stay. Alarmingly, their current whereabouts are unknown.
As part of the exercise, officials conducted a physical verification of foreign students enrolled in several colleges. It was found that at least 20 students had registered but never attended classes, and their addresses on record were no longer valid. This has heightened suspicions that some overstaying foreigners might be engaged in illegal activities.

Foreign nationals in drug networks
According to TGANB officials, in the past decade, 270 foreign nationals have been arrested, many of them allegedly acting as foot soldiers for larger drug cartels. Investigators believe that drug syndicates exploit these individuals, using them as intermediaries while keeping the real masterminds out of reach. "They are mere pawns in the hands of these foreigners who are the main kingpins in this trade," an official added.
"Most of the accused in drug networks use international phone numbers to communicate via WhatsApp, ensuring that drug deliveries are coordinated remotely from different parts of the world," a senior official revealed.
Tenants' details
Police have urged landlords to be vigilant when renting out properties to foreign nationals. Many overstaying individuals reside in homes rented under acquaintances' names, making tracking them even harder. Authorities emphasise that landlords must report tenants' details to the police to prevent misuse.
"Foreigners involved in drug peddling are causing harm to both India and their home countries. On one hand, they are fuelling drug abuse among Indian youth, and on the other, they are failing to contribute productively to their own nations," an official said.
"Foreigners who come to India on student visa or business visa should act responsibly and strive for productive environment," sources said.
Officials are stepping up deportations of overstaying foreign nationals suspected of criminal activities. Additionally, measures are being recommended to prevent those deported from re-entering India under new identities.
With increasing scrutiny on overstaying foreigners, law enforcement agencies are ramping up efforts to track and act against individuals violating visa regulations, sources said.