A Border Security Force (BSF) sentry opened fire in self-defence, injuring an Indian national who attempted to enter Indian territory illegally from Bangladesh. The incident occurred on the evening of February 4 near the Border Outpost (BOP) Putia in Sepahijala district. Tripura, which shares an 856-kilometer-long international border with Bangladesh, has witnessed several instances of illegal crossings and smuggling activities. According to BSF officials, troops stationed at the border observed two individuals—a man and a woman—trying to breach the border fence from the Bangladesh side.
Despite multiple verbal warnings from the BSF personnel, the duo continued their attempt to enter Indian territory unlawfully. When confronted by a BSF sentry, they allegedly resisted and engaged in a physical altercation, attempting to snatch his Pump Action Gun (PAG). Following the standard operating procedure (SOP), the sentry fired a single round in self-defence, injuring the male suspect, while the woman managed to escape into a nearby village. BSF authorities later identified the injured individual as Akhtar Jamal Roni, a resident of Putia village in Boxanagar block, Sepahijala district. Upon questioning, he admitted to illegally crossing into India from Bangladesh without any valid documents. BSF personnel immediately provided him with medical aid and necessary assistance.
“The injured person is in stable condition, and the matter is under thorough investigation. BSF remains committed to securing the international border and preventing unauthorized movements,” stated an official BSF release. Meanwhile, security forces have launched a search operation to trace the woman who escaped during the confrontation. Authorities have also intensified surveillance in the area to prevent further illegal crossings.
