Synopsis
An Indian national, identified as a smuggler by the BSF, was wounded after a soldier fired from his Pump Action Gun in self-defense. This incident occurred along the India-Bangladesh Border in West Bengal as the BSF thwarted a significant smuggling attempt involving Phensedyl cough syrup.Key Takeaways
- BSF personnel acted in self-defense during a smuggling attempt.
- Injured smuggler was part of a group attempting to transport Phensedyl.
- Incident occurred in the North 24-Parganas district of West Bengal.
- Search led to the recovery of 787 bottles of cough syrup.
- Maintaining composure is crucial for BSF personnel during such incidents.
Kolkata, March 9 (NationPress) An Indian citizen, identified by the Border Security Force (BSF) as a smuggler, sustained injuries after a soldier discharged a round from his Pump Action Gun (PAG) in self-defense along the India-Bangladesh Border (IBB) in the North 24-Parganas district of West Bengal early Sunday morning.
The BSF alleges that he was part of a group attempting to smuggle bottles of Phensedyl cough syrup across the border.
"Even in challenging conditions, the soldier kept his cool and thwarted a significant smuggling operation along the IBB. This incident occurred around 5:30 a.m. on Sunday within the jurisdiction of the Kalanchi Border Outpost. The personnel of the 143 Bn were on duty along the IBB when a soldier noticed 4-5 smugglers hastily approaching the border under a bridge spanning the Ichhamati River. He promptly issued a warning and advanced," stated N.K. Pandey, DIG and spokesperson for the South Bengal Frontier of the BSF.
According to him, the soldier tried to deter the smugglers with a stun grenade, but they were determined to get the bottles across the border.
Instead of fleeing, the assailants allegedly converged on the lone soldier, attempting to encircle him. The smugglers were armed with sharp instruments and sticks.
"The soldier understood that not only was his life at stake, but also government property, such as his weapons. Without hesitation, he fired a shot from his PAG. While one smuggler collapsed, the others fled. By that time, additional soldiers had arrived at the scene. A subsequent search resulted in the seizure of 787 bottles of Phensedyl in two sacks and a 'Dau'. The injured individual was taken to the hospital," the DIG noted.
The BSF has lodged an FIR at the local police station and submitted the cough syrup bottles to the relevant authorities for legal procedures. Officials are optimistic that details regarding the other participants in the smuggling operation can be gathered from the injured smuggler once he is well enough to be interrogated.
"Our personnel encounter such challenges regularly. It is crucial to maintain composure during these situations and fulfill one’s responsibilities," Pandey added.
