Tripura BSF Attack: 9 Arrested, Including 3 Women, After Mob Assaults Jawans at Bangladesh Border

Nine people, including three women, have been arrested for allegedly attacking Border Security Force (BSF) personnel at Ashabari along the India-Bangladesh international border in Tripura’s Sepahijala district. Three BSF personnel, including a Company Commander, sustained injuries after a mob allegedly assaulted them with sticks on Monday.

The incident took place near the international border under Kalamchaura police station limits, triggering tension in the area. Police and BSF officials have launched an operation to arrest the remaining accused.

Smuggling Dispute Triggers Mob Attack on BSF Personnel

According to a senior police official, BSF personnel spotted Indian and Bangladeshi smugglers allegedly involved in illegal cross-border trade near Ashabari.

The jawans rushed to the location and apprehended an Indian smuggler, while the Bangladeshi smugglers fled from the other side of the border fence. The Indian smuggler also managed to escape and allegedly returned to the village, claiming that BSF personnel had assaulted him.

Following this, a large group of men and women gathered at the spot, surrounded the BSF vehicle and attacked the personnel with sticks. Three jawans, including the Company Commander, were injured and subsequently taken to a government hospital for treatment.

One of the attackers was also injured during the confrontation.

Mob Attempts to Snatch Rifle, Damages BSF Vehicle

The attackers allegedly attempted to snatch the rifle of one of the BSF personnel and damaged a BSF vehicle during the assault.

The mob also reportedly tried to block the road by cutting down trees to restrict the movement of security forces and civilian vehicles.

Senior BSF and police officials rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control. However, tension continued in the area after the incident.

Police said nine people allegedly involved in the attack had been arrested so far. An intensive search operation, launched on Monday night, was continuing to identify and apprehend the remaining accused.

Tripura CM Manik Saha Condemns Attack

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha, who also holds the Home portfolio, strongly condemned the assault and assured strict action against those responsible.

In a post on his official X account, Saha initially said that eight accused had been arrested in connection with the attack at Ashabari in Boxanagar.

"All those involved will be brought to justice, and strict legal action will be taken against them in accordance with the law. Violence against our security personnel will not be tolerated," he said.

In another post, the Chief Minister described the assault on BSF personnel as unacceptable and directed the concerned authorities to take swift and stringent action.

"Our security personnel deserve the utmost respect and protection," Saha added.

Opposition Alleges Ruling Party Workers' Involvement in Smuggling

Leader of Opposition and senior Left leader Jitendra Chaudhury also condemned the attack but accused the state government of failing to act against illegal cross-border smuggling.

Speaking to the media, Chaudhury alleged that some ruling party workers were involved in illegal cross-border trade and accused the authorities of remaining silent despite the activities.

He claimed that the alleged involvement of ruling party workers had contributed to the continuation of smuggling in the region.

Previous Attacks on Security Personnel in Sepahijala

Sepahijala district has witnessed deadly incidents involving cross-border smugglers in the past.

A few years ago, BSF Deputy Commandant Deepak Kumar Mandal of the 145th Battalion and Tripura Police Sub-Inspector Durga Kumar Hrangkhawl were killed in separate incidents while attempting to prevent cross-border smuggling in the same district.

Tripura shares an 856-km-long international border with Bangladesh and is surrounded by the neighbouring country on three sides.

Although most stretches of the international border have been fenced, the state remains vulnerable to cross-border smuggling, illegal migration, transnational crimes and other security challenges.