Northeast Desk, 4th April: In a late-night operation on Wednesday, April 4, amidst the upcoming Lok Sabha election, one suspected smuggler was killed while another sustained bullet injuries in Durgapur area under Sonamura Sub-division of Tripura’s Sepahijala District by Border Security Force (BSF).
The deceased, identified as Shahidul Islam (42), was fatally shot by BSF personnel, while Kabil Mia (45) sustained injuries in the incident.
The family of the deceased has refuted allegations of Shahidul’s involvement in smuggling, claiming that he merely stepped out of the house to observe a confrontation between a BSF team and a group of smugglers. They alleged that Shahidul was shot by the BSF without provocation.
Locals rushed to the scene after the incident and transported both victims to the Sonamura Social Health Center. After receiving initial treatment, they were referred to Sonamura Sub-Divisional Hospital in Melaghar, where Shahidul Islam succumbed to his injuries. Kabil Mia’s condition was deemed critical, and he was referred to GB Pant Hospital in Agartala.
Following the incident, Superintendent of Police, Sepahijala District, Bogati J Reddy, along with the Additional Superintendent of Police, visited the spot and engaged with local residents.
“Between 9 to 9.30 PM, an incident occurred at Durgapur where some individuals were smuggling goods,” stated the SP. He explained that BSF personnel intervened to thwart the smuggling attempt, leading to a scuffle between the smugglers and BSF personnel, resulting in injuries to a BSF jawan.
“The BSF, in self-defense, fired shots, resulting in the death of one individual. However, the family members have alleged that an individual who came out of his home to observe the incident was killed due to unprovoked firing from the BSF side. I visited the firing spot, interacted with the villagers and BSF as well, and have assured an impartial investigation,” SP Reddy assured.
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