Agartala. Border Security Force (BSF) soldiers were attacked by a mob after taking action to stop smuggling in Sepahijala district of Tripura, adjacent to the India-Bangladesh border. Four security personnel, including an Assistant Commandant, were injured in the incident that took place in Ashabadi-Boxanagar area. The attackers targeted the soldiers with sticks and sharp weapons. During this time, there is also an allegation of snatching the service rifle of a soldier. Police have arrested eight people in the case, while a case has been registered against a total of 19 people.
The incident occurred near Ashabadi Border Outpost at around 9 am on Monday. Here the soldiers of 49th battalion of BSF were taking action against smuggling activities. According to initial information, the soldiers had tried to stop some suspicious people trying to deliver goods across the border. After this action, tension increased between the local people and the soldiers.
The crowd gathered on the road surrounded the soldiers
According to the BSF complaint, people angry with the action of the soldiers gathered a crowd on the Ashabadi-Boxanagar road. Meanwhile, Assistant Commandant Rohit Kumar along with his two other soldiers reached the spot in a government vehicle. It is alleged that as soon as he got down from the vehicle, the mob surrounded him from all sides and attacked him.
The attackers attacked the soldiers with iron rods, bamboo sticks and stones. The complaint also alleges serious assault on constable Manjeet and snatching of his service rifle. A government vehicle was also damaged in the attack. The injured soldiers were taken to Boxanagar Primary Health Center for first aid.
Fighting seen in CCTV footage
The video of the incident has surfaced on social media. In the footage, the mob can be seen attacking BSF personnel and their vehicle. Scenes of a soldier being surrounded, beaten and an attempt to snatch his weapon have also come to light. Officials have taken CCTV footage and other evidence into their possession to investigate the case.
Based on the complaint of BSF, a case has been registered at Kalamchaura police station. According to the police, eight accused have been arrested so far. Information about 19 people being named in the FIR has come to light. Police are investigating the identity of the remaining accused and their role.
Chief Minister Manik Saha gave instructions for strict action
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha has strongly condemned the attack on BSF soldiers. He said that violence against soldiers deployed in the security of the country cannot be accepted under any circumstances. The Chief Minister has instructed the police and concerned officials to take swift action against the culprits.
According to police officials, the role of people involved in smuggling behind the incident is also being investigated. BSF's complaint alleges that the crowd was gathered to avenge the previous action of the soldiers. At the same time, preliminary information has also revealed a dispute between the soldiers and the local people. The circumstances of the attack will become clear only after investigation of the entire incident.
After this incident in the border area, security arrangements have been tightened. Police and BSF teams are busy searching for other people related to the case.