A Border Security Force (BSF) jawan fatally shot a Bangladeshi smuggler in self-defence during a confrontation along the India-Bangladesh border in West Bengal’s Malda district.
The incident took place during the night of August 11-12, when a group of smugglers armed with sharp weapons attacked BSF troops stationed at the Chandnichak Border Outpost.
The deceased smuggler, identified as Abdullah from Rishipara village in Bangladesh’s Chapainawabganj district, had illegally crossed the border to smuggle bidi leaves. According to BSF officials, the smugglers ignored repeated warnings to halt and launched an attack on the jawans, forcing them to open fire in self-defence.
“Despite the gunfire, the smugglers continued their assault,” a BSF statement said. “A second jawan also fired in self-defense when attacked.” The smugglers eventually fled, taking advantage of the darkness and dense vegetation.
The BSF said that the company commander, who was on patrol duty, immediately arrived at the scene. Along with the jawans, he conducted a thorough search of the area, recovering six bundles of bidi leaves. They also found the injured smuggler in a nearby jungle. He was rushed to a government hospital in Mahesil, Murshidabad, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
The BSF further mentioned that similar attacks have been reported at other border outposts, including Natna Forward, Kaharpara, and Anuradhapur, as well as Mahedra and Ghojadanga under Sector Headquarters Kolkata and Krishnanagar in the North 24 Parganas and Nadia districts. In these incidents, jawans deployed stun grenades and other weapons in self-defence, successfully thwarting smuggling attempts and illegal intrusions. They also seized 682 bottles of Phensedyl, 50 kg of sugar, and one cattle.
A preliminary report has been filed at the concerned police station regarding the attack and the defensive firing.
AK Arya, DIG and spokesperson for the BSF South Bengal Frontier, said that such incidents are not uncommon along the border. He praised the jawans for their bravery and vigilance, noting that similar attacks have occurred at other border outposts in the region.
The BSF has lodged formal protests with the Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB) regarding these unprovoked attacks by Bangladeshi smugglers. Arya expressed concern over the lack of concrete action by the BGB, which he believes has emboldened the criminals.
“Despite frequent flag meetings with the BGB to alert them about the ongoing attacks and illegal infiltration by Bangladeshi criminals, no concrete action has been taken. This inaction has emboldened the smugglers and criminals. Nevertheless, our jawans remain steadfast in protecting our borders and ensuring the security of our nation under all circumstances,” Arya said.
(With inputs from ANI)