Tripura: Four Injured During Smuggling Attempt
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Synopsis
On January 18, four Bangladeshis, including a woman and child, were injured in Tripura when BSF personnel fired in self-defense to thwart a smuggling attempt. The incident highlights ongoing challenges along the India-Bangladesh border, where BSF remains committed to combating illegal activities.
Key Takeaways
- Four Bangladeshi nationals injured.
- BSF acted in self-defense during smuggling attempt.
- Sharp-edged weapons were involved in the confrontation.
- Significant contraband seized at the location.
- BSF strengthens operations along the border.
Agartala, Jan 18 (NationPress) Four individuals from Bangladesh, including a woman and a child, experienced minor injuries in Tripura on Saturday when BSF personnel, demonstrating utmost restraint, discharged a single round from a Pump Action Gun (PAG) in self-defense to thwart a significant smuggling operation by smugglers from that nation, officials reported.
A spokesperson for the BSF indicated that border guards on duty spotted a considerable group of individuals, comprising women and children, attempting to smuggle illegal items across the India-Bangladesh border fence in Boxanagar, located within the Sepahijala district. Some of these smugglers were also wielding sharp-edged weapons.
“Upon being confronted by the BSF, a faction of smugglers equipped with ‘dao’ (a type of sharp-edged weapon) became aggressive and attempted to encircle the border guards on duty, endangering their safety and governmental property. In an effort to avert a worsening situation, the BSF personnel, exercising utmost restraint, fired one round from a Pump Action Gun (PAG) in self-defense. Consequently, two smugglers suffered minor pellet injuries, and a woman and a child in close proximity also received minor injuries,” stated the spokesperson.
Subsequently, BSF troops confiscated substantial quantities of Eskuf Syrup and numerous bags of rice from the location. The BSF remains committed to preserving the integrity of the international border and operates with the utmost professionalism, ensuring minimal use of force, as per a BSF statement.
According to the statement, Boxanagar in the Sepahijala district along the India-Bangladesh border is recognized as a hotspot for cross-border crimes, including narcotics smuggling, cattle trafficking, and the illegal infiltration of Bangladeshi nationals and Rohingyas.
“This region encounters significant difficulties, with a large number of local youth involved in smuggling operations. Despite these challenges, BSF troops remain resolute in their mission to combat such illegal activities, confiscating large amounts of contraband daily,” the statement further noted.
The BSF spokesperson mentioned that following the unrest in Bangladesh last year, the BSF has amplified its presence and operations along the 856-km India-Bangladesh border in Tripura, aiming to deter infiltration, exfiltration, and cross-border crimes, including the smuggling of contraband.
