Tripura: Three BSF Personnel, Several Villagers Injured in Clash Over Alleged Assault on Local Youth
A confrontation erupted at Ashabari in Sepahijala district after villagers alleged that a local youth was assaulted in BSF custody. Three BSF personnel and several villagers were injured, prompting additional security deployment.
AGARTALA- At least three Border Security Force (BSF) personnel were injured and a vehicle damaged when a clash broke out between security personnel and local villagers at Ashabari under Kalamchoura police station in Tripura’s Sepahijala district on Monday. Several villagers were also hurt in the confrontation.
The incident occurred near Natun Bazar close to Ashabari Gram Panchayat. The injured BSF personnel were identified as Company Commander Rohit, driver Sunil Kumar, and personnel Manjit of the BSF’s 49th Battalion. They were travelling in a vehicle from Rahimpur towards Boxanagar when it encountered a group of protesters who allegedly attacked them with sticks and bamboo.
The vehicle was damaged in the process. The three injured personnel were first taken to Boxanagar Hospital and later referred to Tripura Medical College and Hospital in Agartala for further treatment. They sustained injuries to different parts of their bodies.
Reason for the clash
According to villagers, the trouble began around 10 am during a vegetation-clearing operation along the market road near Ashabari Gram Panchayat. BSF personnel allegedly detained local youth Hefzur Rahman, on suspicion and assaulted him while he was in custody, leaving him with a fracture in one leg. Angry residents then blocked the Ashabari-Rahimpur road near Natun Bazar, demanding accountability and action against the personnel involved. The situation escalated when the BSF vehicle reached the blockade site.
BSF sources offered a differing account, alleging that protesters—including suspected smugglers—assaulted the security personnel, vandalised the vehicle, and in some reports attempted to snatch a service weapon.
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Officials’ statements and steps taken
Police from Kalamchoura police station and personnel from the Ashabari BSF Border Outpost rushed to the spot, intervened, dispersed the crowd, and brought the situation under control. A large contingent of police and additional BSF deployments were sent to the area. Cross-complaints (cases) have been filed by both sides at Kalamchoura police station.
Senior BSF officials visited the site to review the situation, and an investigation has been initiated into the sequence of events surrounding the detention of Hefzur Rahman and the subsequent violence. Police officials described the area as remaining tense but under control. In some accounts, Tripura State Rifles personnel were also deployed.
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Locals’ statements
Villagers maintained that Hefzur Rahman was detained while clearing vegetation and assaulted in custody, resulting in a leg fracture. They said the road blockade was organised to demand an explanation and action against the BSF personnel involved. Protesters expressed anger over the alleged custodial assault and sought accountability.
The incident has left the border village tense, with authorities monitoring the situation closely to prevent further escalation. Investigations into the allegations from both sides are ongoing.
