A Tripura couple faces life-threatening harassment after opposing the use of their borderland for human trafficking involving Rohingyas and illegal Bangladeshi immigrants. Despite police complaints, threats, armed raids, and theft continue. The family has sought urgent protection from Bishalgarh SDPO to safeguard their lives and property.
In a chilling case that underscores the dangers of confronting organized criminal networks, a middle-aged couple from a border area in Tripura has alleged severe threats and harassment after raising objections to the use of their land for human trafficking activities.
On Friday, Kajal Sil and his wife, residents of a village near the India-Bangladesh border, approached Bishalgarh Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Dulal Chandra Datta seeking immediate protection for their lives and property. The couple claims their ordeal began when they resisted attempts by a trafficking gang to use their land for illegal activities involving Rohingyas and undocumented Bangladeshi immigrants.
Land at the Center of the Dispute
According to Mrs. Sil, a portion of their land—bordering the international boundary—is home to a bamboo grove. This bamboo grove, she alleges, has been repeatedly used by traffickers as a cover for smuggling people across the border. The couple reportedly warned the traffickers not to use their property, fearing that they could be implicated in criminal cases for aiding and abetting illegal immigration.
“We humbly requested them not to use our land because it could bring us legal trouble,” Mrs. Sil told reporters. “Instead of listening, they began threatening us. Since then, we have been facing trouble one after another.”
From Threats to Armed Raids
The situation escalated dangerously in recent weeks. Mrs. Sil recounted that their home was raided by armed miscreants just days ago. Fearing for their lives, the couple fled to a nearby rubber plantation and stayed there overnight.
“The next day, they returned again. This time, they broke into our house and stole everything of value,” Mrs. Sil said, visibly shaken. “They took cash, gold ornaments, and other expensive items from my cupboard. We couldn’t even go back to our home for several days.”
The couple lodged a formal complaint with Madhupur police station, but according to them, no concrete action was taken to address their concerns. Frustrated and desperate, they escalated the matter to the SDPO’s office in Bishalgarh, hoping for stronger intervention.
Alleged Trafficking Network and Key Suspects
The couple alleges that the trafficking racket is controlled by two men, Mithan Sil and Litan Sil, both of whom have been arrested in the past in connection with similar offenses. Despite previous arrests, the couple claims that trafficking activities have continued unabated in the area, posing a constant threat to locals who dare to speak out.
Mrs. Sil expressed her deep fear for her family’s safety. “We are ordinary people. We don’t have weapons or political power. All we want is to live in peace and protect our property from criminals,” she said.
Border Crime Concerns in Tripura
Tripura’s geographical proximity to Bangladesh has made it vulnerable to cross-border crimes, including human trafficking, drug smuggling, and illegal immigration. Activists say that many trafficking routes are hidden in plain sight, using private properties, agricultural fields, and forested areas as cover.
In cases like the Sil family’s, landowners who refuse to cooperate with traffickers often face intimidation, violence, and even displacement. Locals also allege that inadequate policing and delayed legal action embolden such criminal networks.
Police Response and Ongoing Investigation
When contacted, police sources confirmed that the SDPO had heard the couple’s grievances and assured them of necessary protection. However, no official statement has been issued regarding arrests or further investigation at the time of writing.
Law enforcement officials in the region face a challenging task in combating trafficking networks, which are often well-organized and have cross-border links. Nevertheless, human rights advocates stress that ensuring the safety of whistleblowers and local residents is essential to dismantling such operations.
A Plea for Justice
For the Sil family, the immediate concern is survival. The couple says they are willing to cooperate fully with authorities to bring the traffickers to justice, but only if their safety is guaranteed.
| Also Read: ICFAI Tripura celebrates Rakhi with differently-abled children |
“We’ve lost our peace, our valuables, and our sense of security,” Mrs. Sil said. “If the police don’t protect us, we will be forced to leave our land forever. But why should we give up our home for criminals?”
As the trafficking issue continues to plague border areas in Tripura, the case of Kajal Sil’s family highlights the urgent need for decisive action to protect citizens who dare to resist organized crime.
