In a major anti-smuggling operation, Border Security Force (BSF) personnel shot dead two suspected Bangladeshi smugglers along the India-Bangladesh border in South Tripura’s Amzadnagar in the early hours of Friday. A third Bangladeshi was injured during the encounter, and two Indian nationals were arrested for their involvement in the cross-border smuggling attempt.
According to BSF officials, troops deployed at the international border were on heightened alert when they intercepted a group attempting to smuggle a large consignment of medicines. “The smugglers turned violent when challenged. In self-defence, the BSF opened fire,” said a senior officer of the border-guarding force.
One of the Bangladeshi intruders died on the spot, while two others were injured and dragged back across the border by their accomplices. Of the two, one later died at the Parshuram Upazila health centre in Bangladesh. The third injured smuggler remains hospitalised.
A medicine consignment valued at ₹15 lakh was recovered from the site. Authorities confirmed that the body of the smuggler who died on Indian soil was handed over to Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) in the presence of senior officers on Friday.
A commandant-level flag meeting was convened between BSF and BGB following the incident. During the meeting, Bangladeshi officials raised concerns over the firing. “We conveyed that the BSF had no option but to retaliate in self-defence. Smuggling attempts across the border will not be tolerated,” the BSF officer said.
Tripura Police also confirmed the arrest of two Indian nationals linked to the smuggling ring. Assistant Inspector General (Law and Order) Ranadhir Debbarma said investigations are underway to identify the broader network involved in the smuggling of high-value pharmaceutical goods across the international border.
