Anti-smuggling operations caused BSF team attack in Tripura, says SP
Sepahijala Superintendent of Police Bijoy Debbarma linked the assault to losses faced by illegal trade syndicates.
Intensified anti-smuggling efforts along the India-Bangladesh border led to an attack on a Border Security Force (BSF) team in the Ashabari area of Tripura on November 2, according to The Assam Tribune. The assault occurred after BSF personnel intercepted an alleged smuggling attempt, resulting in injuries to three personnel, including an assistant commandant.
Sepahijala Superintendent of Police (SP) Bijoy Debbarma said on Sunday that the attack was triggered by the anger of those involved in illegal trade. He attributed the violence to the financial losses suffered by smuggling syndicates due to increased security crackdowns.
Over the last year, joint teams comprising the police, Tripura State Rifles (TSR), and the BSF have eliminated at least 1.5 crore ganja plants in the Sonamura subdivision. Debbarma estimated these operations caused illegal operators a loss of approximately Rs 1,000 crore and resulted in the seizure of smuggled goods worth several crores of rupees.
The Sepahijala district has a 99 km boundary with Bangladesh, of which nearly 99 per cent is fenced. However, Debbarma noted that smugglers still move cattle, medicines, clothes, contraband, and essential commodities across the border using various methods.
Approximately 300 families reside outside the barbed-wire fencing because an India-Bangladesh agreement prohibits permanent structures within 150 yards of the zero line. This situation provides opportunities for smuggling activities.
Police have arrested 21 individuals, including two primary suspects, for their alleged role in the November 2 attack. A detailed investigation is currently underway, the SP said.