Three BSF personnel injured in Tripura village attack during smuggling operation
Nine people have been arrested after a mob attacked border guards and vandalised a vehicle in Sepahijala district, according to Rediff.
Three Border Security Force (BSF) personnel, including an assistant commandant, were injured in an attack by villagers in Tripura's Sepahijala district on Monday. The incident occurred near the Ashabari border outpost under the Kalamchoura Police Station limits after a person was detained for suspected smuggling activities, according to Rediff.
Sepahijala Superintendent of Police (SP) Bijoy Debbarma said on Tuesday that the mob vandalised a BSF vehicle and attempted to snatch arms from the guards. Nine villagers, including three women who were directly involved, have been arrested in connection with the incident.
The SP stated that ten more individuals have been identified for their involvement in the assault but have not yet been arrested. The police have produced the arrested persons before a local court and are seeking their remand.
Chief Minister Manik Saha condemned the assault on social media, stating that violence against security forces is unacceptable and must be dealt with firmly according to the law. He directed authorities to take swift and stringent action against those responsible.
Tripura Assembly Leader of Opposition Jitendra Chaudhury also condemned the attack. The CPI(M) leader alleged that smuggling is common in the district and claimed that many involved in illegal trade are aligned with the ruling party.