Daijiworld Media Network - Agartala
Agartala, Nov 3: Tension gripped Tripura's Sepahijala district on Monday after a dispute between local residents and Border Security Force (BSF) personnel over an alleged smuggling-related issue escalated into a violent clash, leaving Assistant Commandant Rohit Kumar and three other BSF personnel injured.
According to preliminary information, the incident began with a verbal altercation between residents and BSF personnel deployed at Ashabari Border Outpost (BOP) under the 49th Battalion.
During the argument, a BSF jawan allegedly assaulted a local resident, identified as Hefzur Rahman, with a lathi. The incident angered villagers, who subsequently blocked the Boxanagar-Rahimpur road, disrupting traffic movement in the area.
The situation took a serious turn when Assistant Commandant Rohit Kumar, posted at Rahimpur BOP, arrived at the spot along with his team. According to police sources, the BSF personnel were attacked by the agitated crowd, and their vehicle was vandalised.
A video of the incident that has gone viral on social media purportedly shows a large crowd rushing towards Rohit Kumar and his team shortly after their arrival. Several people carrying bamboo sticks can be seen attacking the vehicle and smashing its windshield.
When a BSF personnel attempted to stop the crowd, two villagers allegedly struck him on the leg with bamboo sticks. Meanwhile, some others reportedly surrounded Rohit Kumar near the roadside and assaulted him. One of the attackers also allegedly attempted to snatch his weapon.
Rohit Kumar was seen falling to the ground after sustaining injuries to his head and knees.
Following the incident, additional BSF personnel were deployed in the area to bring the situation under control. However, another confrontation reportedly broke out between security personnel and residents.
The injured BSF personnel were initially taken to the Boxanagar Primary Health Centre (PHC) for preliminary medical treatment before proceeding to their respective destinations, police sources said.
According to the latest information, normalcy has since returned to the area. Police are expected to register a case in connection with the incident, while further details regarding the circumstances leading to the clash are awaited.