Tension prevailed along the India-Bangladesh international border in Tripura's Unakoti district after a Bangladeshi youth was allegedly killed in firing by the Border Security Force (BSF) on Friday evening.
The incident took place in the Latiapura Gram Panchayat area under Irani police station in Kailashahar subdivision.
Police sources have identified the deceased as Mujibur Rahman Mujib (26), a resident of Dattagram village under Sharifpur Union in Kulaura police station area of Moulvibazar district, Bangladesh. His father's name is Ajub Ali.
Sources said that when a group of Bangladeshi smugglers allegedly crossed the international border and entered Indian territory on Friday evening. Authorities suspect that the group had gathered in the border area with the intention of engaging in smuggling activities.
When BSF personnel on patrolling duty attempted to stop them, the situation reportedly escalated. During the ensuing confrontation, BSF personnel opened fire, resulting in the death of Mujibur Rahman at the spot. Several others accompanying him reportedly managed to cross back into Bangladesh.
Local sources claimed that at least three other suspected Bangladeshi smugglers were injured in the incident. However, no official confirmation regarding the reported injuries has been issued so far.
Following the incident, security personnel reportedly recovered a large quantity of ‘Bidis’ (tobacco) that had allegedly been stockpiled for smuggling across the border. The body of the deceased was recovered and brought to Unakoti District Hospital at Bhagabannagar, Kailashahar on Friday night for legal process.
Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Medical Superintendent of Unakoti District Hospital, Dr. Rohan Pal, said that BSF personnel and Irani Police jointly brought the body to the hospital. He stated that although the incident occurred in the evening, the necessary legal formalities could not be completed on Saturday.
As a result, a team of doctors led by forensic specialist Dr. Suranjan Das conducted the post-mortem examination on Saturday.
Hospital authorities said that the exact cause of death would be determined after the post-mortem report is finalized. According to hospital sources, the deceased had sustained a bullet injury to the chest.
Officials further stated that after completion of all legal formalities, the body would be handed over to the Bangladeshi authorities through a flag meeting between the BSF and the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB).
Meanwhile, security has been tightened along the border following the incident. The BSF, local police, and civil administration have initiated an investigation to ascertain the full circumstances surrounding the incident.