Cattle Smuggling Ring Disguised as BSF Officers Arrested Along India-Bangladesh Border
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Synopsis
On February 12, the BSF uncovered a cattle smuggling ring in West Bengal's Malda district, where individuals disguised as BSF personnel attempted to cross the Indo-Bangladesh Border. Three smugglers were arrested with buffaloes, raising concerns about uniform misuse and border security.
Key Takeaways
- BSF arrests cattle smugglers in Malda
- Impersonation of security forces is illegal
- Smugglers caught with weapons
- Investigation into source of uniforms initiated
- BSF committed to border security
Kolkata, Feb 12 (NationPress) The Border Security Force (BSF) announced on Wednesday the dismantling of a significant cattle smuggling operation in the Malda district of West Bengal, where culprits masqueraded as BSF agents to traverse the Indo-Bangladesh Border (IBB). Three Indian cattle smugglers, donned in BSF uniforms, were apprehended with two buffaloes.
"This represents a serious crime. The impersonation of security personnel is a punishable act. In this incident, they were attempting to smuggle cattle close to the Pannapur Border Outpost in Malda. They assumed that the BSF troops would not scrutinize them closely, mistaking them for colleagues managing previously seized cattle. However, the vigilant forces of the 88 Bn BSF intervened, leading to their arrests," remarked a high-ranking official from the BSF's South Bengal Frontier.
The captured smugglers were found equipped with two swords, a knife, and a counterfeit plastic firearm. The official acknowledged that this incident served as a crucial lesson.
"To an uninformed observer, it might appear that BSF personnel are engaging in cross-border illegal activities. This could lead to unfounded accusations against BSF members. More critically, such uniforms could be exploited by infiltrators seeking to illegally enter India across the IBB. An investigation has commenced to determine the source of these uniforms," he stated.
Additionally, on Tuesday, the BSF apprehended a Bangladeshi smuggler and confiscated 1,625 bottles of prohibited cough syrup that were being illicitly transported across the IBB in West Bengal's Murshidabad district.
The Bangladeshi individual, along with the confiscated bottles, has been referred to the relevant authorities for appropriate legal proceedings, while the buffaloes have been dispatched to the Dhyan Foundation after being e-tagged.
"The BSF remains dedicated to thwarting any endeavors by criminals to violate the international border and engage in unlawful activities," stated N K Pandey, DIG and spokesperson for the South Bengal Frontier, BSF.
