Agartala, January 06, 2024: A shocking incident of alleged violence by two Border Security Force (BSF) personnel has sparked widespread unrest in the border area of Rahimpur, leaving several injured, including women and a student. The events took place on Sunday night near Tripura’s Rahimpur Bazar in Sepahijala district adjacent to the Indo-Bangladesh border triggering accusations of “state-sponsored terrorism” from outraged locals.
The incident took place at around 9 PM during a waj mahfil (religious gathering) attended by the residents of Rahimpur. Eyewitnesses reported that two BSF jawans from the 49th Battalion, stationed between Gate No. 165 and Gate No. 166 near the Ashabari Border Outpost (BOP), allegedly under the influence of drugs, went on a rampage in the market and surrounding areas.
According to locals, the jawans first vandalized seven motorbikes parked near the market, followed by an attack on a shop owned by Paritosh Sutradhar, who was severely beaten during the incident. The chaos escalated when the jawans entered a nearby residence and assaulted Dhan Mia.
In an attempt to protect her father, Dhan Mia’s daughter Nasima Akhtar intervened but was reportedly beaten so severely that her arm was fractured. The violence culminated when the jawans allegedly shot 15-year-old Iman Hossain, the son of Shafiul Islam with a rubber bullet. Both Nasima and Iman were rushed to Boxanagar Social Health Center for treatment and later referred to Tripura Medical College and Dr BR Ambedkar Teaching Hospital, Hapania in Agartala city for further care.
Five individuals were injured in the incident, including a woman who suffered a fractured arm and a student who was shot with a rubber bullet. Additionally, property damage included the vandalism of seven motorbikes and one shop. In response, hundreds of protesters gathered at the Kalamchoura Police Station, demanding justice.
As news of the incident spread, hundreds of angry residents gathered in front of the Kalamchoura Police Station, demanding immediate action against the accused BSF personnel. Protesters chanted slogans, accusing the BSF of abusing their power and engaging in harassment.
“We demand the immediate arrest of the two jawans responsible for this brutality,” said one protester. “We won’t leave until they are brought to justice.”
The Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Kalamchoura Police Station Naru Gopal Deb visited the Ashabari BOP to investigate. A case has been filed against the two BSF personnel as well as the company and post commander on behalf of the victims.
Residents have accused BSF personnel stationed in the Ashabari, Kantamura, and Boxanagar areas of frequent harassment and misconduct. “This is not the first time such incidents have occurred,” said a local resident. “If this continues, we will take to the streets in larger numbers. Enough is enough.”
The police have launched an investigation into the incident, but tensions remain high. Social workers and health officials from Boxanagar are assisting the injured, while additional security measures are being taken to prevent further unrest.
