Fresh tension grips Chamubasti in Khowai after villagers allege a late-night assault by BSF personnel, leaving elderly and pregnant women injured. Residents demand a probe as border gate closures disrupt farming and heighten unrest.
Fresh tension has erupted in the border village of Chamubasti under Khowai district after residents alleged that personnel of the Border Security Force (BSF) assaulted members of a local family during a late-night operation.
According to villagers, the incident has left several people injured, including a 62-year-old woman and a seven-month pregnant woman, both of whom were taken to Khowai District Hospital for medical treatment. The alleged assault has triggered widespread anger in the village, with residents demanding an immediate and impartial investigation into the matter.
Daytime Confrontation Escalates
Villagers stated that the incident began earlier in the day when BSF Company Commander Anil Kumar reportedly visited the home of Shashank Deb over an unspecified complaint. Residents claimed that the officer asked Shashank to report to the BSF camp. However, Shashank allegedly refused to go without the presence of the village head and local representatives.
What began as a verbal exchange reportedly escalated into a heated argument and physical scuffle. According to locals, Shashank later sought treatment at a hospital following the altercation.
Late-Night Operation Sparks Panic
Tensions intensified around 8:30 pm when, according to villagers, a group of 10 to 15 BSF personnel arrived at Shashank Deb’s residence. Residents alleged that the jawans fired shots in the air before entering the house by force.
Locals claimed that Namita Deb, Shashank’s mother, had a torchlight snatched from her before she was struck on the head. They further alleged that two doors of the house were broken using a dao and that family members were dragged during the operation.
Hearing cries for help, nearby residents began gathering at the spot. Villagers alleged that the personnel fired another round in the air before leaving the area. The reported use of force has raised serious concerns among residents about the conduct of security personnel operating in civilian areas.
Long-Standing Border Grievances Resurface
The incident has reignited longstanding grievances among villagers regarding border management practices. Chamubasti lies near the India-Bangladesh border, where residents depend heavily on agriculture. Nearly 75 families in the village rely entirely on farming for their livelihood.
Villagers alleged that border gates are frequently not opened at scheduled times, preventing farmers from accessing agricultural land located beyond the border fencing. This has reportedly resulted in crop losses and financial distress.
Residents also claimed that Bangladeshi miscreants often steal crops from Indian fields in front of BSF personnel, yet no effective action is taken. Following Saturday night’s incident, farmers alleged that all border gates in the Asarambari area were suddenly closed on Sunday morning, further restricting access to standing crops and increasing anxiety among the agricultural community.
Demand for Investigation
Local residents have strongly condemned the alleged actions, stating that even if there is a complaint against an individual, such forceful measures cannot be justified. They have called for a transparent inquiry into the incident and accountability if any misconduct is found.
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As of filing this report, no official statement from the Border Security Force was available regarding the allegations.
The situation in Chamubasti remains tense, with villagers urging authorities to intervene swiftly to restore trust and prevent further escalation in the sensitive border region.
