Tripura Police on Friday detained three Bangladeshi women, all of whom are residents of Khulna district in Bangladesh, and an alleged Indian facilitator near Agartala airport after receiving information about suspected illegal movement, with investigators examining their entry through the Sonamura border and their planned onward journey to Guwahati.
Key Takeaways
- Tripura Police arrested three Bangladeshi women and an alleged Indian tout near Agartala airport.
- Police said the women entered India through the Sonamura border without valid travel documents.
- Investigators are probing a suspected trafficking network and seeking five days’ remand.
Three Bangladeshi women and an Indian man suspected of facilitating illegal entry were arrested near Agartala airport on Friday, police said. The Airport police station team carried out the operation after receiving specific information about the movement of suspected Bangladeshi nationals in the area.
Police identified the Indian suspect as Mazarul Islam. He reportedly lives in the Jatrapur police station area of Sepahijala district. The three women are residents of Bangladesh’s Khulna district.
Police Track Suspected Movement Near Airport
Sub-Inspector Shyamal Debnath, in-charge of the Airport police station, said police acted on information about the suspected movement of Bangladeshi nationals near the airport.
The team detained the three women along with Islam during the operation. Police then questioned the four suspects about their movements and the circumstances surrounding their presence in Tripura.
During preliminary questioning, the women allegedly told police that they crossed into India through the Sonamura border with Islam’s assistance.
Investigators also learned that the women planned to travel to Guwahati. They were allegedly preparing to board a flight from Agartala. According to the
Police recovered air tickets from Islam, according to Debnath. The tickets have become part of the investigation as officers examine the planned journey and the role of the suspected facilitator.
Women Allegedly Entered India Two Days Earlier
Debnath said the three women entered India around two days before their arrest. They allegedly crossed the border without valid travel documents.
Police are now examining their movements after entering Tripura. Investigators are also trying to establish how the women reached Agartala and who helped arrange their onward travel.
The planned journey to Guwahati has also drawn the attention of investigators. Police are checking whether other people helped coordinate the travel arrangements.
The case has also raised questions about the suspected network that may have facilitated the women’s movement from the border area towards Agartala.
Police Seek Five-Day Remand
The four arrested persons were produced before a local court on Friday. Police sought five days of remand to continue the investigation.
Investigators want to question the accused further and establish the sequence of events. They are also trying to identify other people who may have helped the Bangladeshi nationals enter India or arrange their movement inside the country.
Debnath said the investigation remains underway. Police are examining the circumstances surrounding the women’s entry and their subsequent movement towards Agartala airport.
Case Registered Under Multiple Laws
Police have registered a case under relevant provisions of the Passports Act, the Foreigners Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
The investigation will focus on both the alleged illegal entry and the suspected role of the Indian facilitator. Police are also working to trace other members of the suspected human trafficking network.
According to the Airport police officer, efforts are underway to identify and apprehend people who may have helped facilitate the illegal entry and movement of Bangladeshi nationals into Tripura.
Border Areas Under Security Watch
The arrests come amid continued security operations in different parts of Tripura. In recent months, police and security forces have detained several Bangladeshi nationals, Rohingyas and suspected human traffickers.
Such operations have taken place in border areas as well as locations inside the state. Agartala Railway Station has also emerged as one of the locations where authorities have carried out arrests involving suspected illegal movement.
Tripura shares an 856-km international border with Bangladesh. The neighbouring country surrounds the state on three sides.
The state’s geographical position makes its international border particularly important from a security perspective. Authorities continue to monitor cross-border movement and suspected illegal entry.
Most Border Stretches Fenced
Authorities have fenced most sections of the India-Bangladesh border in Tripura. Some stretches, however, remain outside the fenced network.
The border fencing aims to restrict smuggling and trans-border crime. It also seeks to prevent illegal cross-border movement and infiltration by suspected inimical elements.
The latest arrests near Agartala airport have added another layer to the ongoing investigation into illegal entry and suspected trafficking routes in the state. Police are now focusing on the wider network and the possible involvement of other individuals. (With IANS Inputs)
