A 30-year-old youth who was seriously injured in alleged firing by the Border Security Force (BSF) at the Paschimpara border of Boxanagar under Sonamura subdivision of Sepahijala district has succumbed to his injuries after battling for life for six days at GB Hospital, triggering tension and protests in the area.
The deceased has been identified as Rubel Miah (30), son of Nurul Amin and a resident of Paschimpara village of Boxanagar. According to family members, the incident took place late on the night of May 20 near Indo-Bangla pillar numbers- 176 and 177 along the Ashabari–Paschimpara border.
Family sources alleged that Rubel Miah had returned home from a gym centre near Boxanagar BOC on Wednesday (May 20) evening and was heading towards Uttarpara Mosque, located near the border, to offer prayers(Namaz). At that time, a BSF jawan of the 49 Battalion posted at Ashabari Border Outpost (BOP) allegedly opened fire from behind suspecting him to be a smuggler. A rubber bullet reportedly struck Rubel on the lower back.
After being hit, Rubel collapsed on the spot and cried out in pain. Local residents rushed to rescue him and first took him to Boxanagar Social Health Centre. He was later referred to GBP Hospital by the attending doctors for advanced treatment.
The family claimed that the rubber bullet caused deep injuries to his back and severely damaged his lungs. Despite continuous treatment for six days, Rubel Miah breathed his last on Tuesday afternoon at GB Hospital.
He is survived by his wife and a six-year-old daughter. His death has left the family devastated and plunged the entire locality into grief.
Following the post-mortem examination, Rubel’s coffin was brought back to Boxanagar, where an atmosphere of sorrow and anger prevailed. Family members and local residents staged a protest and submitted a deputation in front of Kalamchowra police station, demanding a proper investigation into the incident and strict action against those responsible.
Upon receiving information about the unrest, Sonamura Sub-Divisional Police Officer(SDPO) Shashimohan Debbarma reached the police station and assured the family that a thorough investigation would be conducted if a written complaint is lodged.
Meanwhile, local residents alleged that the behaviour of the BSF personnel currently deployed along the border has become a matter of concern for ordinary people. Residents claimed that frisking, mobile phone checking, and even incidents of assault have become frequent in the area.
Rubel Miah’s death has once again raised serious questions over the role of the BSF along the border. Locals villagers questioned why innocent civilians are allegedly becoming victims of firing while smugglers continue to evade arrest. The tragic death has sparked widespread grief and resentment across the bordering villages of Boxanagar.