Nine people, including three women, have been arrested in Tripura for allegedly attacking Border Security Force (BSF) personnel near the India-Bangladesh border. The incident took place at Ashabari in Sepahijala district on Monday. Three BSF personnel, including a Company Commander, were injured when a mob allegedly hit them with sticks.
Key points
- Nine people, including three women, have been arrested so far over the attack at Ashabari.
- Three BSF personnel, including a Company Commander, were injured and taken to a government hospital.
- Chief Minister Manik Saha condemned the attack and promised strict legal action.
- The Opposition leader alleged that some ruling party workers are involved in cross-border smuggling.
What happened at Ashabari
The incident occurred near the international border under Kalamchaura police station limits and created tension in the area. According to a senior police official, BSF personnel saw Indian and Bangladeshi smugglers allegedly carrying out illegal cross-border trade near Ashabari.
The jawans went to the spot and caught an Indian smuggler. The Bangladeshi smugglers ran away from the other side of the border fence. The Indian smuggler also managed to escape and, as alleged, went back to his village and claimed that BSF personnel had beaten him.
After this, a large group of men and women reportedly gathered, surrounded the BSF vehicle and attacked the personnel with sticks. The attackers also allegedly tried to snatch the rifle of one of the jawans and damaged a BSF vehicle. One of the attackers was injured during the confrontation.
The mob also reportedly tried to block the road by cutting down trees, which would have stopped the movement of security forces and civilian vehicles. Senior BSF and police officials reached the spot and brought the situation under control, though tension continued in the area.
Arrests and official reaction
Police said nine people allegedly involved in the attack have been arrested. A search operation that began on Monday night was continuing to find the remaining accused.
Chief Minister Manik Saha, who also holds the Home portfolio, strongly condemned the assault. In a post on X, he first said eight accused had been arrested. He added that all those involved would face strict action under the law and that violence against security personnel would not be tolerated. In another post, he called the attack unacceptable and asked the authorities to act swiftly and firmly. He said security personnel deserve the utmost respect and protection.
Opposition allegation
Leader of Opposition and senior Left leader Jitendra Chaudhury also condemned the attack. However, he accused the state government of failing to act against illegal cross-border smuggling. Speaking to the media, he alleged that some ruling party workers are involved in such trade and that the authorities have stayed silent. He claimed this alleged involvement has helped smuggling continue in the region. These are the opposition leader's allegations, and the source does not report any response to them.
The source notes that Sepahijala district has seen deadly incidents involving cross-border smugglers in the past. Police and BSF are continuing their efforts to arrest the remaining accused.
