BSF in Tripura apprehended three Bangladeshi nationals, including a woman, for illegal entry, along with two Indian touts. Increased surveillance follows rising cross-border infiltration due to political unrest in Bangladesh. Recent operations also thwarted smuggling worth ₹4 lakh along the India-Bangladesh border.
The Border Security Force (BSF) in Tripura continues its stringent surveillance efforts along the India-Bangladesh border, successfully apprehending three more Bangladeshi nationals, including a woman, on Tuesday for illegally entering India. The arrest took place at Teliamura railway station in Khowai district as the individuals attempted to board the Agartala-Silchar train.
A BSF spokesperson confirmed that the arrested individuals are residents of the Habibganj District under Sylhet Division in Bangladesh. Acting on specific intelligence inputs, BSF personnel intercepted them before they could travel further inland.
In connection with the illegal entry, two Indian nationals — both residents of Khowai District — were also taken into custody. Authorities believe they were facilitating cross-border infiltration, acting as touts for Bangladeshi migrants trying to enter India.
This incident follows a growing pattern. On Saturday, April 26, the Government Railway Police (GRP) and the Railway Protection Force (RPF) detained four more Bangladeshi nationals from Agartala railway station. They too were reportedly planning to travel to Bengaluru in search of work.
Similarly, on April 20, five Bangladeshi nationals, including three women, were arrested in Tripura during a joint operation carried out by the GRP, RPF, and BSF. All were found to have crossed the international border illegally.
In recent months, Tripura has witnessed an increase in illegal immigration activity. Officials attribute the uptick in border crossings to the political instability in Bangladesh, especially following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government on August 5, 2024. Widespread violence and uncertainty have reportedly triggered the migration of Bangladeshi nationals into Indian territory.
The BSF has significantly intensified its surveillance and border domination to prevent such unauthorized crossings and other cross-border crimes. In addition to the arrests, the BSF recently foiled several smuggling attempts and seized contraband items worth approximately ₹4 lakh.
In compliance with directives from the Central government, security forces have been on high alert, particularly in the wake of the escalating crisis in Bangladesh. The increased vigilance aims to deter not only illegal immigration but also the movement of anti-national elements.
Authorities have reiterated their commitment to securing the border and maintaining peace in the northeastern state, while continuing to work in coordination with railway and local police forces.
