A mob of around 50 men and women allegedly assaulted Border Security Force personnel with sticks at Ashabari along the India-Bangladesh border in Sepahijala district, Tripura, on November 2, seriously injuring three jawans, including a Company Commander. Police have arrested 10 people, including three women, while an investigation continues to identify and apprehend the remaining suspects.
At A Glance
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A Special NDPS Court in Sepahijala district remanded seven male accused to four days of police custody and three women to 10 days of judicial custody.
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Three BSF personnel, including a Company Commander, sustained serious injuries when a mob allegedly attacked them with sticks at Ashabari on Monday.
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The attackers allegedly snatched a Pump Action Gun (PAG) rifle, damaged a BSF vehicle and attempted to block roads to restrict the movement of security forces.
A court in Sepahijala district has remanded seven men to four days of police custody and three women to 10 days of judicial custody today in connection with attack on Border Security Force (BSF) personnel on November 2 at Ashabari along the India-Bangladesh international border.
The 10 accused appeared before the Special NDPS Court on Tuesday for further legal proceedings. Police sought custody of the male accused to facilitate interrogation into the assault, which left three BSF personnel, including a Company Commander, seriously injured.
An intensive search operation is continuing to arrest other people allegedly involved in the incident.
Mob Attacks BSF Personnel at Ashabari
According to a police official, the incident occurred near the international border at Ashabari under Kalamchaura police station in Sepahijala district on Monday.
The trouble reportedly began when BSF personnel spotted some Indian and Bangladeshi smugglers allegedly engaged in illegal cross-border trade. The jawans immediately rushed to the location and managed to apprehend an Indian smuggler.
However, the Bangladeshi smugglers, who were on the other side of the border fence, escaped. The apprehended Indian smuggler also reportedly managed to flee.
The police official said the Indian smuggler subsequently informed villagers that BSF personnel had assaulted him.
This allegation reportedly triggered the confrontation. Around 50 men and women gathered at the spot, surrounded the BSF vehicle and attacked the personnel with sticks.
Three BSF jawans, including the Company Commander, sustained serious injuries during the assault. The force subsequently shifted the injured personnel to a government hospital for treatment.
Attackers Allegedly Snatch BSF Rifle, Damage Vehicle
The attackers also allegedly snatched a Pump Action Gun (PAG) rifle from one of the BSF personnel during the confrontation.
They also damaged a BSF vehicle. One of the attackers sustained injuries in the incident.
Senior BSF and police officials rushed to Ashabari after receiving information about the violence. Their intervention helped bring the situation under control.
However, tension continued in the locality even after security officials restored order.
According to the police official, the mob allegedly attempted to obstruct the movement of security personnel and civilian vehicles by felling trees and blocking the road.
The road blockade reportedly aimed to prevent security forces from moving freely through the area.
Police Search Continues for Other Accused
Police have arrested 10 people so far in connection with the attack, including three women.
The authorities launched an intensive search operation on Monday night to identify and apprehend the remaining suspects. The operation was continuing, the police official said.
The four-day police remand of the seven male accused is expected to facilitate further questioning into the circumstances surrounding the attack and the alleged involvement of other people.
The three women will remain in judicial custody for 10 days, as directed by the court.
BSF Reaffirms Commitment to Border Security
Meanwhile, the BSF issued a statement on Tuesday night strongly reaffirming its commitment to protecting the India-Bangladesh international border and preventing cross-border smuggling and other unlawful activities.
The force said incidents of violence and intimidation would not discourage its personnel from carrying out their assigned responsibilities.
The statement also highlighted the restraint exercised by BSF personnel during Monday’s confrontation.
Despite facing an attack, the jawans refrained from using lethal force, the force said. It described their response as an example of professionalism and commitment to protecting human life while performing operational duties.
The BSF also stressed the importance of maintaining cordial relations with people living along the international border.
It said the force deeply valued its relationship with border communities and remained committed to strengthening mutual trust, cooperation and goodwill.
BSF Seeks Cooperation from Border Residents
The central armed police force appealed to local residents to extend wholehearted cooperation in maintaining peace, public order and security in border areas.
At the same time, it issued a firm warning against attempts to intimidate or obstruct its personnel while they discharge their lawful duties.
The BSF said it would deal firmly with any such attempts.
The investigation into Monday’s attack remains underway, with police continuing efforts to arrest the other people allegedly involved in the violence. (With IANS Inputs)
