In a significant anti-smuggling operation along the India-Bangladesh border, the Border Security Force (BSF) engaged in a firefight early Friday morning, resulting in the deaths of two suspected Bangladeshi smugglers. The encounter took place in Amzadnagar, South Tripura, where a third individual was also injured. In connection with the incident, two Indian nationals were apprehended for their alleged involvement in the cross-border smuggling attempt.
BSF officials reported that their personnel, who were on high alert due to recent intelligence indicating increased smuggling activities, intercepted a group trying to transport a large quantity of medicines. When confronted, the smugglers reportedly exhibited violent behavior, prompting the BSF to respond with gunfire in self-defense, as per statements from a senior officer.
During the altercation, one Bangladeshi smuggler was killed instantly, while two others managed to retreat across the border but were subsequently aided by their accomplices. One of the wounded smugglers later succumbed to injuries at the Parshuram Upazila health centre in Bangladesh, while the remaining injured individual is currently receiving medical treatment.
Authorities successfully recovered a consignment of medicines valued at ₹15 lakh from the smuggling site. Following the incident, the body of the smuggler who died on Indian territory was formally handed over to the Bangladeshi authorities from the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), with senior officers present to oversee the transfer.
In light of these events, a commandant-level flag meeting was held between BSF and BGB officials. During this meeting, the Bangladeshi side voiced their concerns regarding the firing incident. The BSF confirmed their position, stating that the action taken was necessary for self-defense and reiterated their stance against any smuggling attempts across the border.
Moreover, local authorities in Tripura have confirmed the arrest of two individuals from India who are linked to the smuggling operations. Assistant Inspector General (Law and Order) Ranadhir Debbarma announced that investigations are ongoing to uncover the broader network involved in the illicit trafficking of valuable pharmaceutical products across the international boundary.
