BSF has refuted the charge of shooting and killing one youth identified as Jasim Miah on February 1 last in bordering area of Belonia. In a press meet, BSF personnel narrated the incident.
Speaking to media, BSF said, tt has come out in some section of press that one youth was shot dead on February 01 last in a border village in Belonia, Tripura after an altercation between the deceased and BSF Security personnel posted on duty. It is to clarify that BSF has always worked to safeguard and provide security to Border population. It has always displayed the highest standard professional skills, humanitarian approach and respect for human rights. The challenges faced by the BSF troops while discharging their duties on the Indo-Bangladesh International border in the state have always been appreciated by everyone. In order to promote a more humanitarian approach, the BSF has adopted the non-lethal weapon policy in its dealing with even the trans-border smugglers and miscreants.
On Feb 01, 2021 Jasim Miah of Debipur, under PS-Hrishyamukh, in South Tripura District along with their associates including ladies came in a group and reportedly assaulted the BSF Jawans on duty using weapons like ‘Dah’ & *Lathis’.
During the course of such scuffle one of the BSF personnel suffered serious injuries in his body and was admitted to hospital as indoor patient. Some of them even attempted to snatch his weapon and attacked him surrounding from all sides. Sensing imminent danger to his life and weapon, the BSF jawan fired 0l shot by using non-lethal weapon (PAG) in his self defence. Few of the local population living in these affected areas were reportedly involved in illegal activities and several criminal cases are also pending against them.
During September 2020, a police complaint was registered in Belonia Police station against one Wasim Miah, who is the brother of deceased in the present case. In the past also they had taken up aggressive postures when prevented from smuggling activities. In the above circumstances, after the incident, these people including the family members of the deceased have taken a different stand, stating that they were not involved in any smuggling activities at the time of incident and that the deceased was fired upon only after an altercation over grazing of cattle. In this connection independent investigation is being carried out by the local police on two separate FIRs, one lodged by relatives of the deceased and one lodged by BSF. It is premature to comment upon the outcome of the investigation till investigation is completed.
However, keeping the highest standard of professionalism and transparency maintained by BSF administration, an independent court of inquiry has been ordered by BSF administration under BSF Act and Rules. The concerned officials including commander of the post have also been shifted from their present place of deployment to ensure that they do not influence the course of investigation by Police or even the departmental inquiry, the BSF press release said.