Agartala, June 14: A Bangladeshi national was killed in firing by the Border Security Force (BSF) along the India-Bangladesh border in Tripura’s Unakoti district, following an incident linked to suspected smuggling activities, officials said.
The deceased was identified as 26-year-old Mujibur Rahman Mujib, a resident of Dattagram in Bangladesh’s Moulvibazar district. According to police sources, the incident occurred on Friday evening near Latiyapura village under the jurisdiction of Irani Police Station in Kailashahar.
Preliminary investigations indicate that a group of Bangladeshi nationals had allegedly entered Indian territory and gathered near the border area for smuggling-related activities. BSF personnel conducting patrol duties reportedly attempted to intercept the group, during which firing took place. Mujib died on the spot, while several others are believed to have fled back across the border into Bangladesh.
Although some local residents claimed that at least three more individuals were injured in the incident, authorities have not officially confirmed any additional casualties.
Security personnel later recovered a large quantity of Indian-made bidis from the area. Police suspect that the consignment was meant to be smuggled into Bangladesh, and sacks containing bidis were reportedly found close to the body.
Mujib’s body was recovered at around 9.30 pm on Friday and taken to Unakoti District Hospital in Kailashahar. Following the completion of legal formalities, a post-mortem examination was conducted on Saturday. Hospital sources stated that the deceased had suffered a gunshot injury to the chest, though officials said the exact cause of death would be confirmed after the post-mortem report is received.
After a flag meeting between Indian and Bangladeshi border authorities, the body was handed over to Bangladeshi officials through the Manu Land Customs point on Saturday evening.
Meanwhile, the BSF, local police and district administration have launched a detailed investigation into the circumstances surrounding the firing. Security arrangements along the international border have also been strengthened in the wake of the incident.
