BSF opens fire after suspected smugglers attack troops along Tripura-Bangladesh border
Representational image. (Image courtesy: Wikimedia)
New Delhi: Security forces opened fire after a group of suspected Bangladeshi smugglers allegedly confronted BSF personnel along the India-Bangladesh border in Tripura’s Unakoti district, leaving one Bangladeshi national dead, police said on Sunday. The incident occurred after midnight near Border Pillar No. 1847 and Gate No. 47 in Ward No. 3 of Magruli Gram Panchayat.
The BSF personnel were carrying out routine patrolling near Magruli under Irani police station when they noticed the movement of a group that had allegedly crossed the international border and entered Indian territory. The group was reportedly positioned ahead of the border fence.
According to Unakoti superintendent of police Rishab, the men allegedly tried to assault the BSF personnel after being challenged. They were reportedly carrying an iron dao (machete) and a cricket bat, which the troops considered an imminent threat to their safety.
Rishab told India Today NE that the BSF personnel first attempted to deter the group through other measures before resorting to firing in accordance with established procedure. The suspected smugglers then fled towards the Bangladesh side under the cover of darkness.
A search of the area after the incident led BSF personnel to the body of one Bangladeshi national. Articles suspected to have been used during the confrontation were also recovered from the spot, the SP said.
Local sources identified the deceased as around 30-year-old Tara Mia, a resident of Dastekhi in Bangladesh. However, police have not officially confirmed his identity so far.
Preliminary local reports have also alleged that the group was involved in smuggling Burmese cigarettes across the border. The police, however, have not officially confirmed the alleged smuggling activity.
On being informed about the matter, a police team reached the spot and further legal proceedings were initiated. Authorities are now probing the alleged cross-border incursion, the scuffle with the BSF personnel and the circumstances which led to the death.
Security has also been beefed up in the Magruli border area since the incident.
