A Bangladeshi youth named Ibrahim Babu, 32, was shot dead by India’s Border Security Force (BSF) near the Jhaojhadanga border in Damurhuda upazila of Chuadanga on Wednesday afternoon.
The incident took place around 200 yards inside Indian territory, near international main pillar no. 79. Babu was a resident of Jhaojhadanga village and son of Nur Islam.
According to the family, Babu was a farmer and not involved in smuggling. His father said Babu had gone to the border area around 12:30pm with four to five others to collect grass for cattle and accidentally crossed the border.
BSF troops from Gede camp in West Bengal’s Nadia district reportedly opened fire near the pillar, killing Babu on the spot.
Damurhuda police visited the victim’s home. Officer-in-Charge Shahid Titumir said the matter is under investigation.
Chuadanga Superintendent of Police Khandaker Golam Mowla said Babu had crossed the border illegally and was shot by the BSF. Talks are ongoing between BGB and BSF to return the body through legal procedures.
Lieutenant Colonel Nazmul Hasan, commander of BGB Chuadanga-6, said they contacted India’s BSF 32 Battalion after the incident. According to the BSF, the shooting occurred during a chase involving a gold smuggling group. BGB has officially requested a flag meeting to resolve the issue.