Drone Suspected to Be Bangladeshi Discovered in Tripura, Investigation Underway
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Synopsis
A suspected Bangladeshi drone was discovered in southern Tripura, sparking concerns in border communities. Police are investigating its origin and purpose, while local officials are vigilant about illegal infiltration and security along the India-Bangladesh border.
Key Takeaways
- Drone found in Tripura near Bangladesh border.
- Local farmer reported the discovery.
- Investigation by BSF and Tripura Police launched.
- Concerns over potential surveillance activities.
- State government taking measures against illegal infiltration.
Agartala, April 7 (NationPress) A suspected Bangladeshi drone was located within the Indian territory of southern Tripura on Monday, raising concerns among the border communities, officials reported.
According to police sources, local farmer Sadhan Mazumdar was the first to notice the mini drone in a paddy field situated near the India-Bangladesh border at Ballamukha, in the Bilonia subdivision. The drone was discovered enclosed by barbed wire fencing, approximately 600 meters from the border's zero-line. Local villagers promptly alerted the police.
A police representative noted that villagers had observed a drone flying in the vicinity from the Bangladesh direction days prior, seemingly conducting an aerial survey. There is speculation that the recovered drone could be the same one, the official indicated. Both the Border Security Force (BSF) and the Tripura Police have initiated an inquiry to ascertain the drone's origin and the intent behind its flight in this sensitive border area.
Police official Swapan Sen, part of the investigation team, suggested that the drone likely originated from the Bangladesh side of the border. This discovery has instigated both concern and curiosity among locals, who fear potential surveillance or cross-border intrusion activities.
Tripura shares the second-longest international border with Bangladesh, measuring 856 km, following West Bengal's 2216 km border with the neighboring country. Four northeastern states—Tripura (856 km), Meghalaya (443 km), Mizoram (318 km), and Assam (263 km)—share a total of 1,880 km of border with Bangladesh.
Earlier this week, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha announced that the state government has implemented numerous measures to combat illegal infiltration from Bangladesh. The BSF and state forces, including the Tripura State Rifles (TSR), maintain constant vigilance. While addressing the state Assembly, he revealed that 742 cases had been filed under the Indian Passports Act and the Foreigners Act over the past three years.
He added that joint patrols by the BSF and state forces are conducted in the unfenced border areas, along with raids based on intelligence reports. Additionally, district-level Anti-Human Trafficking units have been established to address human trafficking issues.
As the Home portfolio holder, Saha mentioned that cases against illegal infiltrators are currently registered under two laws—the Indian Passports Act and the Foreigners Act. In 2022, 112 cases were recorded, 303 cases in 2023, and 327 cases in 2024, he informed the Assembly.
