Ashabari BSF attack: prime accused among 3 more held, total 21

Tripura Police have arrested three more people, including a woman described as the prime accused, in the November 2 attack on Border Security Force (BSF) personnel at Ashabari in Sepahijala district. That takes the number of accused arrested to 21, four of them women, IANS reported on Saturday, November 7.

The woman, named as Hasina Khatun by IANS and as Hasina Akhtar in some other reports, was picked up from Kalapania in Sepahijala district. A court has remanded her in police custody until November 13.

Her son Rabiul Hossain and another man, Mahabul Hossain, were detained by the BSF and handed over to Kalamchaura police station. Sepahijala Superintendent of Police Bijoy Debbarma said Rabiul is allegedly seen in a video clip snatching a weapon from a BSF jawan, while Mahabul is allegedly seen assaulting the personnel, India Today NE reported. The two were to be produced in court on Sunday, November 8, when police will seek their custody.

Remand extended for seven others

A court has also extended the police remand of seven other accused by seven days, until November 13. Police said they are using electronic evidence, CCTV footage and intelligence inputs to trace the remaining suspects, who are absconding, and that everyone involved will be brought to justice.

According to IANS, all 21 face charges under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act.

What happened on November 2

The clash broke out on the morning of November 2 near the Ashabari Border Outpost of the BSF's 49th Battalion, under Boxanagar. Police have said BSF personnel intercepted suspected ganja smugglers near the India-Bangladesh border. India Today NE reported that tensions rose after a BSF jawan allegedly hit a local resident with a lathi, and villagers blocked the Boxanagar-Rahimpur road.

When Assistant Commandant Rohit Kumar of the Rahimpur outpost arrived with other personnel, he was allegedly attacked and his vehicle damaged. Kumar and three others were injured, and a service weapon was snatched. One of the attackers was also hurt. A mob of about 50 people was involved, according to IANS.

Area calm, patrols on

Police say the situation in Ashabari is now normal and under control. The Tripura Police, BSF and CRPF are running joint patrols and searches in the area, including at Rahimpur market. Chief Minister Manik Saha has condemned the attack, ordered strict action and reviewed law and order with senior security officials.

Tripura shares an 856-km border with Bangladesh, and Sepahijala district sees frequent cross-border smuggling.