Synopsis
Tripura Police apprehended a Bangladeshi citizen with a firearm and currencies of India and Bangladesh amid heightened security alerts ahead of Republic Day celebrations. This incident highlights ongoing challenges related to infiltration and arms smuggling along the border.Key Takeaways
- Bangladeshi national arrested in Tripura.
- Seized items include a loaded pistol and foreign currencies.
- Ongoing investigations to uncover further activities.
- Increased border security measures in place.
- Border disputes contribute to security challenges.
Agartala, Jan 22 (NationPress) In light of heightened security measures prior to India's Republic Day celebrations, Tripura Police apprehended a Bangladeshi citizen possessing firearms and currencies from both India and Bangladesh, according to officials on Wednesday.
Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO), Sadar, Deba Prasad Roy mentioned that acting on specific intelligence, a police unit executed a raid at a residence in the Milanchakra Adarshapalli locality on Tuesday night.
The homeowner allegedly provided a hideout for the suspect, who had been residing in the rented property for roughly five months.
The detained individual has been identified as Samajpriya Chakma, hailing from the Khagrachari district in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, which is in the southeastern part of the neighboring nation.
SDPO Roy reported that authorities seized a loaded 9 mm pistol, several cartridges, 25,000 Bangladeshi Taka, and Rs 2.21 lakh in Indian currency, along with two smartphones from his possession.
He stated, “Initial questioning and documents retrieved from him verified that the arrested Samajpriya Chakma is indeed a citizen of Bangladesh. An FIR has been filed under the Arms Act and other relevant laws. Further investigations are ongoing to reveal more information regarding his activities.”
This incident underscores the persistent issues of infiltration and arms trafficking along the India-Bangladesh border in Tripura.
A representative from the Border Security Force (BSF) noted that following unrest in Bangladesh that commenced last year, the BSF has amplified its operations along the 856-km India-Bangladesh border in Tripura to hinder infiltration, exfiltration, and cross-border crimes including contraband smuggling.
The BSF spokesperson added that as the Republic Day celebrations approach, security measures along the India-Bangladesh border have been intensified to avert any forms of cross-border criminal activities.
Tripura is bordered by Bangladesh on three sides, with certain sections remaining unfenced due to local disputes over land and demarcation issues.
Last year, the BSF apprehended 55 Rohingyas, 620 Bangladeshi nationals, and 260 Indian citizens, including human traffickers, during various operations.
