AGARTALA, Nov 2 — Three Border Security Force jawans were brutally assaulted by a mob of alleged smugglers in the Ashabari area of Boxanagar, Tripura, on Monday morning, and several journalists covering the incident were injured while attempting to rescue the personnel.
The incident occurred near Gate Nos. 174 and 175 in the Ashabari Border Outpost area, where BSF personnel of the 49th Battalion were chasing suspected smugglers attempting to transport illegal goods across the border. During the operation, personnel detained a man identified as Hefzur Rahman approximately 400 metres from the initial location. Rahman sustained a leg injury during the confrontation and was taken to Boxanagar Hospital for preliminary treatment, before being brought to Ashabari New Market.
A crowd of alleged smugglers gathered shortly after, reportedly mobilised by a person identified as Babu through mobile messages, leading to a blockade on the Boxanagar-Rahimpur road. Journalists from the Boxanagar Press Club arrived at the scene around 10:00 AM to cover the protest. While speaking with demonstrators, three BSF personnel from the Rahimpur-Kantamura Border Outpost approached the blockade in an official vehicle.
As the vehicle reached the spot, the jawans were allegedly surrounded and brutally attacked by the assembled crowd. Reportedly, attackers struck the personnel's heads, threw them to the ground and attempted to snatch their firearms. Several women were reportedly among the attackers. Journalists present intervened to protect the injured jawans, recovering firearms from the attackers and ensuring their return to BSF personnel. The government vehicle carrying the jawans was vandalised during the attack, and some journalists sustained injuries while trying to rescue the personnel.
Following the attack, additional BSF personnel arrived from Ashabari BOP, prompting the attackers to flee. Senior police and BSF officials reached Boxanagar to assess the situation and collect CCTV footage from a nearby house, which is believed to have captured the incident.
Allegations have been raised that some of the attackers were Bangladeshi nationals involved in smuggling activities in the Ashabari area, though these claims remain unverified. Local sources have also alleged political patronage has emboldened smuggling groups and that influential ruling-party supporters have encouraged such activities. Critics have questioned the silence of local BJP legislators and leaders over repeated incidents. There are further unverified allegations that certain BSF personnel maintain links with smuggling networks and facilitate illegal activities in exchange for money. The absence of barbed-wire fencing along several border stretches has also been cited as a concern regarding border management effectiveness.
The assault has intensified demands for a comprehensive investigation into alleged smuggling networks, possible political protection, suspected collusion and security gaps along the border. As of the filing of this report, no formal complaint had been lodged at Kalamchowra police station, though the BSF was expected to file one later in the day. The situation in Ashabari remained tense, with security forces maintaining vigilance.
The brutal assault on personnel tasked with protecting the country's borders has drawn widespread condemnation. The incident also underscores the urgent need for accountability, effective border security and decisive action against those involved in smuggling and violence, regardless of their political connections or influence.
