The tragic killing of two Bangladeshi nationals and the serious injury of another during an alleged smuggling attempt on the night of Thursday was reported near the India-Bangladesh border in the Belonia subdivision of Tripura. According to police sources, a group from Bangladesh, allegedly with the support of Indian accomplices, attempted to cross the border with containers full of contraband items, including Viagra tablets worth around ₹14–15 lakh.
When they were confronted by the Border Security Force (BSF), the smugglers allegedly attacked with sharp weapons, injuring one BSF jawan. The BSF opened fire in self-defense, killing one on the spot, while another succumbed to injuries in a Bangladeshi hospital. The body of the deceased was then retrieved from Indian territory and later handed over to Bangladesh after postmortem formalities. Subsequently, two Indians allegedly involved in the smuggling operation were arrested, and an FIR was lodged under several legal sections, including attempt to murder.
Tripura shares an 856-kilometer border with Bangladesh, some portions of which remain unfenced owing to local disputes, making it a hotspot for illegal crossings and smuggling. Chief Minister Manik Saha, heading the state government, reiterated a uncompromising approach against illegal immigration, which includes pushing unauthorized entrants back according to law. The event showcases the continuous challenges faced by the forces to maintain the integrity of the borders and the urgent need for vigilant supervision to prevent illicit activities and facilitate peace in the region.
The following day two suspected smugglers were arrested from South Tripura district. “The two Indian smugglers are suspected to be staying near the border areas. A case was lodged at the Belonia police station,” a senior police officer said.
According to police, a gang from Bangladesh attempted to cross the international border on Thursday night with the assistance of Indians. They allegedly used sharp weapons to attack the staff despite the Border Security Force’s (BSF) warning, wounding a BSF member in the process. According to a senior police officer, the BSF opened fire in self-defense.
The officer stated that Miah’s body, which was recovered from Indian territory, was given to Bangladesh following a postmortem. “Litan Miah died on the spot, while two other injured were admitted to a hospital in Bangladesh where one died during treatment,” the officer said.
Foreigners frequently enter districts including Sepahijala, West, South, Unakoti, and Dhalai, according to a police report. They frequently use Tripura as a transit route to travel throughout the nation in pursuit of employment, housing, and a place to call home.
