A Bangladeshi smuggler was killed by BSF in West Bengal’s North 24-Parganas during a border confrontation. 175 Phensedyl bottles, weapons, and liquor were recovered. BSF reported firing in self-defence and reaffirmed their commitment to protecting India’s borders against increasing cross-border smuggling and infiltration attempts.
A Bangladeshi smuggler was killed along the Indo-Bangladesh Border (IBB) in West Bengal’s North 24-Parganas district. Officials from the Border Security Force (BSF) reported on Sunday that personnel were compelled to open fire in self-defence during a confrontation near the Madhupur Border Outpost.
According to N K Pandey, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) and spokesperson for the South Bengal Frontier of the BSF, the incident unfolded around 1 AM. A vigilant jawan from the 59 Battalion noticed suspicious movements close to the border fence. Approximately 20-25 suspected smugglers were seen approaching the fence from both the Indian and Bangladeshi sides.
The jawan, observing some individuals carrying heavy bundles, immediately challenged them. However, instead of retreating, the smugglers on the Indian side turned aggressive. They attempted to blind the jawan using a high-powered torch while others, armed with sharp-edged weapons, tried to encircle him. In a swift response, the jawan fired a round from his Pump Action Gun (PAG), forcing the group to scatter.
The gunfire alerted a nearby BSF ambush party stationed ahead of the fence. As the team moved towards the site, they encountered another group of smugglers attempting to collect goods thrown over the fence. Despite a warning shot fired into the air, the smugglers persisted. A subsequent shot targeted at the group resulted in one smuggler being hit, while others fled, aided by poor visibility and dense crops.
Upon searching the area, BSF personnel recovered the smuggler’s body along with 175 bottles of Phensedyl cough syrup, two bottles of foreign liquor, a torch, three sickles, and a machete. The deceased, identified as a Bangladeshi national, and the seized items were handed over to local police. An FIR has been lodged in connection with the incident.
DIG Pandey praised the bravery and alertness of the BSF troops. He emphasized that despite challenging conditions along the border, the jawans remain vigilant and committed to securing the nation’s frontiers. He also highlighted that the issue of infiltration and violent attacks by Bangladeshi smugglers has been raised repeatedly with the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), but adequate action remains lacking. Nevertheless, the BSF continues to take all necessary measures to safeguard the border.
This incident underlines the ongoing challenges faced by border forces in curbing cross-border smuggling and ensuring national security.
