9 Indian arrested after Tripura villagers beat BSF personnel, vandalise vehicle

At least three BSF personnel, including an assistant commandant, sustained injuries when a group of villagers attacked them over the detention of an individual in Tripura's Sepahijala district, leading Chief Minister Manik Saha to denounce the incident and instruct police to act swiftly. Nine individuals, including three women, were taken into custody in connection with the incident near Ashabari border outpost under the Kalamchoura Police Station limits on Monday, a senior officer stated.

"At least three BSF jawans, including an assistant commandant, were hurt in the assault by angry villagers after one person was detained over suspicious smuggling activities at Ashabari on Monday. The mob damaged a BSF vehicle and attempted to snatch weapons from the border guards," Sepahijala Superintendent of Police Bijoy Debbarma said on Tuesday. "Nine villagers, including three women who were directly involved in the incident, were arrested," he said at a press conference. Ten more have been identified for their involvement in the assault on BSF personnel but have not yet been arrested, the SP said.

Debbarma said the police presented all the arrested persons before a local court, seeking their remand. Accompanied by senior officials, BSF Tripura Frontier Inspector General Princee Rani visited the village to assess the situation following the brutal attack on the border guards, the SP said. The chief minister, in a social media post, said acts of violence against security forces are "completely unacceptable.""I strongly condemn the brutal assault on our brave BSF personnel at Ashabari by a group of miscreants. Such acts of violence against our security forces are completely unacceptable and deserve unequivocal condemnation," Saha wrote on Facebook.
He said any attack on the security personnel is "a matter of grave concern and must be dealt with firmly in accordance with the law"."Concerned authorities were directed to take swift and stringent action against those responsible and ensure that justice is delivered. Our security personnel deserve the utmost respect and protection," he added. Tripura Assembly's Leader of Opposition Jitendra Chaudhury on Tuesday condemned the brutal attack on BSF personnel. "Smuggling is not new in Sepahijala district, which shares a border with Bangladesh. Everybody knows people who are involved in illegal trade," he said. The CPI(M) leader also alleged, "Ninety-nine out of 100 smugglers are either aligned with the ruling party or getting blessings from its local leaders. Strongest action must be taken against those who are involved in the incident."

(Source: Deccan Chronicle)