Daijiworld Media Network - Malda
Malda, Jun 21: Concerns over illegal infiltration once again took centre stage in West Bengal after the Border Security Force (BSF) detained a group of Bangladeshi nationals in Malda and attempted to push them back across the border, leading to a confrontation with the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and locals from Bangladesh.
The incident triggered tension among residents of the border district, with villagers alleging attempts by Bangladeshi nationals to cross into Indian territory.
According to Sukhdevpur village resident Piyush Mondal, around 5,000 to 7,000 Bangladeshi nationals gathered near the zero line and created unrest. He claimed that around 15 Bangladeshi nationals attempted to enter the village but were stopped by the BSF.
“We request the government to fence the remaining 1,200-metre stretch of the border so that such incidents can be prevented,” Mondal said.
Another resident, Chapala Mondal, alleged that villagers had resisted attempts by Bangladeshi nationals to enter Indian territory with the help of the BSF. She demanded completion of border fencing, stating that it would help prevent such incidents.
The development drew strong political reactions in West Bengal. BJP leader Koustav Bagchi criticised Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, alleging that “divisive forces” from across the border were being used to support her.
“No one is standing by her. Her trusted lieutenants have distanced themselves from her. These things will not be entertained,” Bagchi said.
Union Minister of State Sukanta Majumdar appealed to people not to panic and expressed confidence in the BSF’s ability to protect the border. BJP MP Shantanu Thakur alleged that attempts were being made from Bangladesh to push nationals into India but said such efforts would not succeed.
The issue of infiltration was a major theme in the BJP’s 2026 West Bengal election campaign, with the party’s central leadership accusing the Trinamool Congress government of allowing illegal infiltration.
After the BJP’s victory in the elections, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced in the first cabinet meeting that land would be provided for fencing along the India-Bangladesh border.