Three BSF jawans were injured in a clash with a group of protesters at Ashabari in Sepahijala district, Tripura on November 2. This happened after villagers accused security personnel of assaulting a local youth, prompting road blockade, police intervention and a call for strict action from Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha.
At A Glance
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Three BSF personnel and several villagers sustained injuries during a clash at Ashabari in Sepahijala district on November 2.
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The confrontation followed allegations that BSF personnel detained and assaulted local resident Hefzur Rahman, who reportedly suffered a leg fracture.
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Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha condemned the attack on BSF personnel and called for strict legal action against those responsible.
Three Border Security Force (BSF) personnel sustained injuries after protesters allegedly attacked their vehicle at Ashabari in Sepahijala district on November 2. The clash erupted after villagers accused BSF personnel of detaining and assaulting a local youth, triggering a road blockade and escalating tensions in the area.
Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha strongly condemned the attack on the security personnel and called for firm legal action against those responsible.
| Read CM’s FB post HERE |
Alleged Assault on Local Youth Triggers Protest
The incident reportedly began around 10 am when BSF personnel were clearing vegetation near Natunbazar road, close to Ashabari Gram Panchayat. During the operation, they allegedly detained Hefzur Rahman, son of Shahajan Mia, on suspicion.
Villagers alleged that BSF personnel assaulted Rahman while he was in custody, leaving him with a fracture in one leg. Following the allegation, local residents gathered to protest and blocked the Ashabari-Rahimpur road near Natunbazar.
The protesters demanded action against the BSF personnel allegedly involved in the incident. The road blockade added to the tension in the locality.
Protesters Allegedly Attack BSF Vehicle
The situation took a violent turn when a four-wheeler belonging to the BSF’s 49th Battalion approached the protest site while travelling from Rahimpur towards Boxanagar. The vehicle bore registration number TR-01-AL-1051.
According to eyewitnesses, Company Commander Rohit, driver Sunil Kumar and another BSF personnel, Manjit, were inside the vehicle. Protesters allegedly attacked the occupants with sticks and bamboo, injuring all three.
Video clips circulating after the incident reportedly showed villagers, including women, striking a BSF jawan with sticks. The incident quickly drew attention on social media, where users condemned the attack and raised concerns about accountability.
Police Intervene, Injured Personnel Referred to Agartala
Personnel from Ashabari Border Outpost and police from Kalamchoura police station rushed to the spot after the clash. They intervened to bring the situation under control.
Authorities initially took the injured BSF personnel to Boxanagar Hospital. Doctors later referred them to Tripura Medical College and Dr BRAM Teaching Hospital in Agartala for further treatment.
Both sides have reportedly filed complaints with the police. Senior BSF officials also visited the area to assess the situation.
Police have launched an investigation to establish the sequence of events and determine responsibility for the confrontation. Tension continued in the locality following the clash.
Dr Manik Saha Condemns Attack, Calls for Strict Action
Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha described the assault on BSF personnel as a serious and unacceptable act of violence. He said attacks on security personnel must be dealt with firmly under the law.
In a social media post, the Chief Minister stated that he had directed the authorities concerned to take swift and stringent action against those responsible and ensure justice. He also stressed that security personnel deserved the highest level of respect and protection.
Meanwhile, social media users continued to debate the incident, with some questioning whether the authorities would punish those involved. Some also drew comparisons with bulldozer demolitions carried out in Uttar Pradesh in cases involving alleged wrongdoing.
The investigation is expected to establish the circumstances behind the clash and determine the responsibility of those involved.
