Agartala: South Tripura was gripped by a tense calm today as details emerged of a dramatic pre-dawn encounter along the international border in Amzadnagar, where Border Security Force (BSF) personnel, acting in self-defence, shot dead two suspected Bangladeshi smugglers. The incident, which unfolded in the early hours of Friday, also left another Bangladeshi national injured, while two Indian accomplices were apprehended.
According to senior BSF officials, a dedicated border vigil led to the discovery of a major smuggling operation underway. As BSF troops moved to intercept the consignment, the smugglers reportedly turned violent, prompting the security personnel to open fire. Three individuals sustained gunshot wounds, with one succumbing at the scene. The remaining two injured smugglers were whisked away by their companions across the border into Bangladesh. Later reports confirmed that one of these individuals also succumbed to his injuries at the Parshuram Upazila health centre in Bangladesh, where the third injured person is currently receiving treatment.
A significant haul of medicines, valued at Rs 15 lakh, was recovered from the site of the clash, underscoring the scale of the smuggling attempt. The body of the Bangladeshi smuggler who died on Indian soil was subsequently handed over to Bangladeshi authorities on Friday, with Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) officers present. A commandant-level flag meeting was convened following the incident, during which BGB officials expressed their concern over the firing. However, BSF firmly reiterated its unwavering stance against cross-border smuggling, emphasizing that the use of force was a necessary measure taken in self-defence in response to the smugglers’ aggression. Meanwhile, Assistant Inspector General (Law and Order) of Tripura Police, Ranadhir Debbarma, confirmed the arrest of two Indian individuals believed to be involved in the foiled smuggling bid.
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