AGARTALA: Nine people, including three women, have been arrested for allegedly attacking Border Security Force (BSF) personnel near the India-Bangladesh border in Tripura's Sepahijala district, police said on Tuesday.
The incident took place on Monday at Ashabari village under Kalamchaura police station after BSF personnel spotted suspected smugglers allegedly involved in illegal cross-border trade.
According to the police account, the BSF personnel apprehended an Indian smuggler, while the suspected Bangladeshi smugglers fled the spot. The apprehended man, however, allegedly managed to escape and told villagers that he had been assaulted by BSF personnel.
Following this, a group of men and women allegedly gathered around a BSF vehicle and attacked the personnel with sticks. Three BSF personnel, including a Company Commander, sustained injuries in the assault. One of the alleged attackers was also injured.
Police and BSF personnel reached the spot and brought the situation under control. Nine people have been arrested in connection with the incident, while a search operation is underway to trace the remaining accused.
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha condemned the attack and assured strict legal action against those involved.
Leader of the Opposition Jitendra Chaudhury also condemned the incident but accused the state government of failing to curb cross-border smuggling.
The incident has renewed concerns over border security in Tripura, which shares an 856-km international border with Bangladesh.
With inputs from media reports