3 BSF Jawans injured after between locals and personnel, 9 arrested

New Delhi: At least nine people, including three women, have been arrested following a violent clash between villagers and Border Security Force (BSF) personnel at Ashabari village in Tripura’s Sepahijala district. Three BSF personnel and a local resident were injured in the incident, which reportedly began over allegations of assault during a smuggling-related operation.

The confrontation took place near Ashabari Gram Panchayat, under Boxanagar police station limits, along the India-Bangladesh border. According to preliminary reports, tensions rose after BSF personnel from the 49th Battalion detained a local resident identified as Hefzur Rehman over an alleged connection with smuggling.

Villagers claimed that Rehman was assaulted while in custody, leaving him with a fractured leg. The incident triggered protests with several residents, including women, gathering at the spot and blocking the Boxanagar-Rahimpur road.

The situation worsened when Assistant Commandant Rohit Kumar, along with other BSF personnel, reached the area to address the confrontation. A crowd allegedly attacked the security personnel with sticks and bamboo poles.

BSF personnel attacked, firearms snatching attempted

Police sources said the crowd also vandalised a government vehicle and attempted to snatch firearms from the BSF personnel. Three Jawans, including a company commander, sustained injuries in the violence. The injured were initially taken to Boxanagar Primary Health Centre before being referred for further treatment.

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha strongly condemned the attack and warned that violence against security personnel would not be tolerated.

Taking to X, Saha said, “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.”

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.

— Prof.(Dr.) Manik Saha (@DrManikSaha2) November 3, 2026

Police investigate incident; situation under control

Meanwhile, police have registered complaints from both the BSF and local villagers at Kalamchoura police station. Officials are investigating the incident to establish the sequence of events and identify everyone involved.

Speaking to reporters, Sonamura Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Abhijit Das said senior police officials, including the Additional Superintendent of Police, had visited the spot and reviewed the situation.

“We have visited the spot along with the officers of the police station. The matter is under investigation, and we will take all necessary steps as part of the investigation. The injured personnel are hospitalised,” Das said.

Police said the situation in Ashabari was under control while the investigation into the clash and the allegations made by both sides remained underway.