8 arrested for assaulting BSF jawans, snatching service weapon along Tripura border

AGARTALA: Tripura Police arrested eight individuals on Monday night in Sepahijala district for their alleged involvement in the assault on four BSF personnel, including an Assistant Commandant, who were on duty.The incident occurred in the Ashabari region of Boxnagar along the Bangladesh border when the personnel disrupted a smuggling operation the previous afternoon. After learning about the incident, chief minister Dr Manik Saha instructed the Director General of Police to take immediate action against those identified in a widely circulated video.Police teams from Bishalgarh and Kalamchoura police stations launched an extensive search operation and detained all eight primary suspects linked to the attack. The chief minister said BSF personnel operate under difficult conditions to protect the country and maintain public order.He made it clear that any attempt to harass or obstruct them in carrying out their duties would invite strict action.Meanwhile, the injured personnel are receiving medical treatment at a local hospital for multiple injuries and fractures. A BSF official said the confrontation erupted when a team from the 49th Battalion arrived in response to credible intelligence about suspected smuggling activities.The official said the personnel were unexpectedly attacked by a crowd of villagers, including women and children, who were armed with sticks and sharp weapons during the operation.The group assaulted the jawans and managed to snatch a service weapon from one of them, although it was later recovered. BSF personnel from a nearby area eventually arrived to assist and evacuate the injured troops.The BSF lodged a complaint at Kalamchoura police station, following which an FIR was registered. The charges reportedly include attempt to murder BSF personnel, theft of a weapon and obstructing public officials from performing their lawful duties.Sepahijala SP Bijoy Debbarma said eight individuals had been detained in connection with the attack on BSF personnel in Ashabari. He assured that everyone involved in the incident would face justice and that strict legal action would follow. A case has been registered against 19 people in connection with the incident.Stay updated with the latest Agartala news. Download the TOI App.