Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Monday strongly condemned a violent assault on Border Security Force (BSF) personnel in the Ashabari area of Boxanagar and ordered authorities to take swift, stringent action against those responsible.
In a post on X, Saha described the attack as 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. Any attack on our security personnel is a matter of grave concern and must be dealt with firmly in accordance with the law,” he wrote.
He added that concerned authorities had been directed to ensure justice and that security personnel “deserve the utmost respect and protection.”
The incident occurred on Monday morning near the Ashabari Border Outpost along the India-Bangladesh border in Sepahijala district. According to reports, BSF personnel from the 49th Battalion intercepted alleged smugglers attempting to move contraband near border gates 174 and 175. During the chase, one suspect identified as Hefzur Rahman was detained roughly 400 metres from the spot.
Shortly afterward, three BSF jawans traveling in a government vehicle toward Boxanagar were set upon by a group of alleged smugglers and local residents. The attackers, armed with sticks and bamboo, beat the jawans, causing serious head injuries, tried to snatch their service firearms, and vandalized the vehicle. The assault sparked tension in the locality.
Police later arrested eight people in connection with the case. In a follow-up statement, Chief Minister Saha confirmed the arrests and reiterated that violence against security personnel would not be tolerated and that strict legal action would be taken against all those involved.
The injured jawans received medical treatment. Investigations into the incident and the smuggling activities are ongoing.