Seven Men Sent to Police Custody, Three Women to Judicial Custody in Tripura BSF Attack Case

AGARTALA-    A local court in Sepahijala district on Tuesday (November 3) remanded ten people, including three women, who were arrested in connection with the violent attack on Border Security Force (BSF) personnel at Ashabari near the India-Bangladesh border.

HINDI TUTION

Seven male accused were sent to four days of police custody for further interrogation, while the three women were remanded to ten days of judicial custody, Sepahijala Superintendent of Police Bijoy Debbarma confirmed.

Police said an intensive search operation, launched on the night of the incident, remains underway to apprehend the remaining accused. A case has been registered against around 19 individuals.

Also Read- Tripura Police Arrest 8 After Attack on BSF Personnel in Sepahijala; Case Registered Against 19

Official Statements

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha strongly condemned the attack and assured strict action. In posts on X, he stated:
“In connection with the assault on BSF personnel at Ashabari, Boxanagar, eight accused persons have been arrested. All those involved will be brought to justice, and strict legal action will be taken against them in accordance with the law. Violence against our security personnel will not be tolerated.”

He earlier described the assault as “completely unacceptable” and directed authorities to take swift and stringent action.

Sepahijala SP Bijoy Debbarma called the attack “absolutely shameful.” Briefing the media, he said:
“The attack carried out by some villagers against those who ensure the nation’s security is absolutely shameful, and we condemn it. A case has already been registered, and following an operation conducted overnight, we have arrested a total of nine individuals. They will be produced in court today. We will not spare anyone else involved; we will ensure they face the law and are brought to justice.”

Debbarma added that the BSF Inspector General had visited the area and held a coordination meeting with police.

Also Read- Tripura: Three BSF Personnel, Several Villagers Injured in Clash Over Alleged Assault on Local Youth

Border Security Force issued a statement affirming its resolve:
The force “remains resolute in its commitment to safeguarding the India-Bangladesh border and preventing trans-border smuggling and other unlawful activities.” It said it values its relationship with the border population and expects cooperation in maintaining peace and security. “Any attempt to intimidate or obstruct BSF personnel in discharge of their lawful duties will be dealt with firmly.”

Background of the Incident

The clash occurred on Monday morning (November 2) near Ashabari Border Outpost under Kalamchoura police station in Boxanagar area of Sepahijala district.

According to police and BSF accounts, personnel of the 49th Battalion intercepted suspected Indian and Bangladeshi individuals engaged in illegal cross-border activity. One Indian suspect reportedly escaped and informed villagers that he had been assaulted, leading a large group of men and women to gather, block the road, and attack a BSF vehicle (registration TR-01-AL-1051) carrying three personnel, including Assistant Commandant/Company Commander Rohit Kumar.

The attackers used sticks and bamboo, damaged the vehicle, and attempted to snatch a service weapon. Three BSF personnel sustained injuries and were treated first at Boxanagar hospital before being referred to facilities in Agartala.

Villagers have alleged that a local youth, Hefzur Rahman, was detained and assaulted by BSF personnel earlier that morning, which triggered the protest and subsequent violence. Police are investigating both versions of events.

Security has been tightened in the area. The situation is currently under control, with joint police-BSF teams continuing searches for the remaining identified accused.