Agartala, November 3: Eight people have been arrested in connection with an alleged attack on Border Security Force (BSF) personnel at Ashabari in Tripura’s Boxanagar area of Sepahijala district. Police have registered a case against 19 people in connection with the incident.
The incident took place on Monday morning following an altercation between BSF personnel and local residents near Ashabari Gram Panchayat.
According to preliminary reports, the confrontation began over an alleged smuggling-related issue involving BSF personnel deployed at Ashabari Border Outpost (BOP) under the 49th Battalion.
During the altercation, a BSF jawan allegedly assaulted a local resident, identified as Hefzur Rahman, with a lathi. The incident reportedly angered local residents, who later blocked the Boxanagar-Rahimpur road, disrupting traffic.
The situation escalated when Assistant Commandant Rohit Kumar of Rahimpur BOP and other BSF personnel reached the spot. A group of villagers allegedly attacked them and vandalised their vehicle.
Additional BSF personnel later arrived at the scene, following which a clash broke out between security personnel and local residents.
Assistant Commandant Rohit Kumar and three other people sustained injuries in the incident. They were taken to Boxanagar Primary Health Centre (PHC) for preliminary treatment.
Meanwhile, a BSF official said the force had lodged a complaint at Kalamchoura Police Station. An FIR was registered on charges including attempt to murder BSF personnel, snatching of weapons and obstructing government officials from performing their duties.
The BSF has also identified the accused, according to the official.
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Tuesday strongly condemned the alleged attack on BSF personnel and announced that eight people had been arrested.
In a social media post, Saha said everyone involved in the incident would be brought to justice and strict legal action would be taken in accordance with the law.
He also said violence against security personnel would not be tolerated.
Police sources said a case had been registered against 19 people in connection with the incident. Further investigation is underway.
Police said the situation in the area has returned to normal.
