Nine arrested after BSF personnel attacked by villagers in Tripura
The clash in Sepahijala district occurred after villagers protested the alleged assault of a local youth by security forces.
Nine people, including three women, have been arrested for allegedly attacking Border Security Force (BSF) personnel in Tripura's Sepahijala district on Monday, according to The New Indian Express and The Pioneer.
The confrontation took place near Ashabari under the Kalamchoura police station when a BSF vehicle from the 49th Battalion encountered protesters near Natun Bazar.
The injured BSF personnel were identified as Assistant Commandant Rohit Kumar, driver Sunil Kumar, and Manjit. One constable sustained serious injuries to his head and body, and the attackers allegedly attempted to snatch a service weapon and damaged the vehicle, reported The Pioneer.
The clash followed a protest by villagers who blocked the Ashabari-Rahimpur road. Villagers alleged that BSF personnel detained and assaulted a local youth, Hefzur Rahman, during a vegetation-clearing operation, resulting in a leg fracture, according to The Assam Tribune.
Sepahijala Superintendent of Police Bijoy Debbarma stated that BSF personnel had noticed smuggling activities and recovered packets of ganja during the operation. He said that after the smugglers fled, they mobilised villagers to enforce the blockade.
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha condemned the attack as a brutal act by miscreants and stated that authorities were directed to take swift action. A case has been filed against approximately 19 named people, according to The Pioneer.