BSF personnel attacked with sticks during anti-smuggling ops in Tripura, 8 arrested

The incident began after a verbal altercation broke out between BSF personnel and locals. During the argument, one BSF jawan allegedly harassed a local man on suspicion of involvement in smuggling, triggering anger among other residents.

In Short

• A BSF jawan detained and allegedly assaulted a local over smuggling suspicion
• Angry villagers then attacked the BSF personnel and vandalised their car
• Tripura CM Manik Saha condemned the incident

Tension gripped Tripura's Sepahijala district after four BSF personnel were beaten up in a clash with locals during an anti-smuggling drive on Monday. The Tripura Police launched a probe shortly and arrested eight people in connection with the case.

According to preliminary information, the incident began with a verbal altercation between residents and BSF personnel deployed at the Ashabari Border Outpost (BOP) under the 49th Battalion during the anti-smuggling operation near the India-Bangladesh border. During the argument, a BSF jawan detained a man named Hefzur Rahman on suspicion of involvement in smuggling and allegedly assaulted him with a stick.

The alleged harassment angered residents, who subsequently blocked the Boxanagar-Rahimpur road, disrupting traffic in the area. The clash left Assistant Commandant Rohit Kumar and three other BSF personnel injured.

The situation escalated further when Assistant Commandant Rohit Kumar, posted at Rahimpur BOP, arrived at the spot with his team. Police sources said the team came under attack from the agitated crowd, and their vehicle was vandalised.

A video of the incident, which has gone viral on social media, shows an agitated crowd rushing towards Rohit Kumar and his team as soon as they arrived at the spot. Several people can be seen carrying bamboo sticks and attacking the vehicle, including smashing its windshield.

When one BSF personnel tried to stop the crowd, two villagers allegedly struck him on the leg with bamboo sticks. Meanwhile, a few others cornered Rohit Kumar by the roadside and assaulted him. One of the attackers also attempted to snatch his weapon.

At one point, Rohit was seen falling to the ground after sustaining injuries to his head and knees.

The injured BSF personnel were initially taken to Boxanagar Primary Health Centre (PHC) for preliminary treatment before leaving for their respective destinations, police said.

TRIPURA CM CONDEMNS ATTACK

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha condemned the assault on BSF personnel and said eight accused had been arrested in connection with the incident.

"In connection with the assault on BSF personnel at Ashabari, Boxanagar, eight accused persons have been arrested. All those involved will be brought to justice, and strict legal action will be taken against them in accordance with the law. Violence against our security personnel will not be tolerated," he said in a post on X.

- Ends