Was a Bangladeshi Smuggler Killed at the Indo-Bangladesh Border?

Synopsis
In a dramatic encounter along the Indo-Bangladesh border, a Bangladeshi smuggler was shot dead by BSF personnel after they acted in self-defence. This incident has raised serious concerns about cross-border smuggling activities and the ongoing challenges faced by the BSF in maintaining national security.
Key Takeaways
- A Bangladeshi smuggler was killed during a confrontation with BSF personnel at the Indo-Bangladesh border.
- 175 bottles of Phensedyl cough syrup were recovered during the operation.
- The incident highlights the ongoing struggles against cross-border smuggling.
- BSF personnel acted bravely in self-defence.
- This case emphasizes the need for robust border security measures.
Kolkata, April 27 (NationPress) DIG and Spokesperson of the South Bengal Frontier, BSF, N K Pandey, reported on Sunday that a Bangladeshi smuggler was fatally shot after BSF personnel acted in ‘self-defence’ along the Indo-Bangladesh Border (IBB) in the North 24-Parganas district of West Bengal, leading to the recovery of 175 bottles of Phensedyl cough syrup.
At approximately 1 am on Sunday, a jawan from the 59 Bn BSF stationed at the Madhupur Border Outpost noticed suspicious movement near the border fence and reported that around 20-25 suspected smugglers were closing in from both sides.
“The jawan observed individuals on the Indian side carrying heavy bundles and immediately challenged them. Instead of retreating, the smugglers confronted the BSF jawan,” he explained.
According to DIG Pandey, one smuggler directed a high-powered torch at the jawan's eyes while others, armed with sharp weapons, attempted to encircle him.
“The valiant jawan fired a round from his Pump Action Gun (PAG) to disperse the group,” said DIG Pandey.
This disturbance alerted a BSF ambush team ahead of the fence, who quickly responded and found smugglers gathering items thrown over the barrier.
“When the smugglers did not surrender even after a non-lethal shot was fired in the air, a shot was directed at them. One smuggler was hit, while the others exploited the low visibility and dense crops to flee,” he added.
A subsequent search revealed the body of the deceased smuggler, along with 175 bottles of Phensedyl cough syrup, two bottles of foreign liquor, a torch, three sickles, and a sharp machete.
The body of the Bangladeshi smuggler, along with the confiscated items, was handed over to the police, and an FIR was filed regarding the incident.
DIG Pandey praised the commitment of the jawans, highlighting their ongoing efforts in a challenging border environment.
“The BSF regularly raises concerns about infiltration and assaults by Bangladeshi smugglers with the BGB. Unfortunately, insufficient responses allow these criminals to persist in their activities. The BSF is dedicated to implementing all necessary measures to safeguard the nation’s borders,” stated DIG Pandey.