Three BSF personnel and villagers injured in Tripura clash
A confrontation between Border Security Force personnel and local residents in Sepahijala district left several people injured on Monday.
Three Border Security Force (BSF) personnel and several villagers were injured during a clash at Ashabari in Tripura’s Sepahijala district on Monday, according to reports by The Hindu, The Assam Tribune and The Sentinel.
The confrontation occurred near the Natun Bazar area under the Kalamchoura police station. The injured BSF personnel have been identified as Company Commander Rohit, driver Sunil Kumar and personnel Manjit, who were travelling in a vehicle belonging to the BSF’s 49th Battalion.
The Hindu reported that the clash followed a road blockade by locals protesting the detention and assault of a youth. The Assam Tribune stated that villagers alleged Hefzur Rahman was detained around 10 am during a vegetation-clearing operation and was subsequently assaulted in custody, resulting in a leg fracture.
The Sentinel reported a different account, stating that a group of suspected smugglers heading towards the Bangladesh border encountered BSF personnel and allegedly tried to flee and snatch a rifle, prompting retaliation.
The injured BSF personnel and the local youth were shifted to Tripura Medical College and BRAM Hospital in Agartala for treatment. The Hindu noted that an officer was among the injured BSF personnel.
Police have registered two separate First Information Reports at the local police station, with The Assam Tribune reporting that cases have been filed by both sides. A security contingent of armed police and Tripura State Rifles personnel has been deployed to the area to maintain normalcy.