Tripura: Smuggler from Bangladesh killed in BSF firing in Unakoti

Agartala: A suspected smuggler allegedly belonging to Bangladesh was killed while another sustained bullet injuries after they "attacked" Border Security Force (BSF) personnel in Unakoti district in Tripura.

The incident took place as a BSF team thwarted an alleged smuggling attempt on Sunday in Magroli village, located in Unakoti District.

BSF sources stated that while on duty ahead of the border fence at BOP Magroli, troops noticed a group of 15-20 individuals approaching from the Indian side, carrying loads on their heads, while another group of 25-30 individuals approached from the Bangladeshi side with a bamboo ladder.

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"Despite warnings from BSF personnel to halt, the group became aggressive, encircling the BSF Jawan on duty. Sensing imminent danger to life and government property, the Jawan fired a PAG round, hitting one of the smugglers, who was subsequently apprehended", the source added.

However, around 10-15 others allegedly turned hostile, assaulting the BSF Jawan, and further attempting to seize his weapon.

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The source claimed that the men also attempted to take him into Bangladeshi territory.

"In response, the BSF Jawan fired again, forcing the Bangladeshi smugglers to retreat across the border," said the source.

During the altercation, one BSF Jawan sustained serious injuries to his forehead and was evacuated to a nearby district hospital for treatment, where his condition is reported as stable.

The source further added, "In the exchange, a Bangladeshi national identified as Saddam Hussein (approximately 23 years old), from Dastaki village, Moulovibazar District, was hit by a PAG round and pronounced dead upon arrival at the district hospital."

Additionally, it's reported that one other individual sustained injuries in the firing and was taken back into Bangladeshi territory by the alleged smugglers.