Tripura’s Government Railway Police (GRP) arrested a Bangladeshi national and two Indian touts at Agartala railway station late on Sunday night. The joint operation was conducted based on specific intelligence inputs. And involved coordinated efforts from the GRP, Railway Protection Force (RPF), Border Security Force (BSF), and the Intelligence Department.
The operation marks another milestone in the state’s efforts to curb illegal cross-border infiltration and human trafficking networks that exploit porous border areas for transit.
Arrests Made During Late-Night Operation
The suspects were intercepted just as they attempted to board a train headed for Delhi, reportedly with the aim of smuggling the foreign national out of Tripura undetected. Preliminary interrogation revealed that the Bangladeshi youth had entered the state illegally via the Sonamura border. Moreover, with the help of local agents.
The two Indian nationals, identified as residents of Sonamura and Bishalgarh, were allegedly functioning as human trafficking intermediaries. Equally, facilitating illegal movements across the India-Bangladesh border in exchange for money.
Security Forces on Alert
Following the arrests, senior officials confirmed that the trio has been taken into custody for further questioning. The Bangladeshi national will be charged under the Foreigners Act and relevant provisions of the Passport Act, while the touts are being booked under laws pertaining to human trafficking and abetment.
“We acted swiftly upon receiving credible inputs. This arrest is part of our broader crackdown on infiltration and organized trafficking rackets operating in the Northeast,” said a GRP official.
The BSF and state police intelligence units are now working to trace the wider network that aided the suspects. Further arrests are expected in the coming days.
Agartala Becoming a Transit Hub
Law enforcement agencies have flagged Agartala railway station as an emerging transit point for illegal activities. The strategic location of Tripura, sharing an extensive international boundary with Bangladesh. After all, makes it vulnerable to unauthorized movements.
Sources say touts often lure Bangladeshis with promises of jobs in metro cities and use the Agartala-Delhi rail route as a safe passage. Once in India, these individuals are either employed in low-wage sectors. Or rather, passed on to further trafficking rings in other states.
Chief Minister’s Firm Stance on Border Security
Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha has repeatedly stressed the importance of securing Tripura’s borders. Recent developments, including this arrest, reinforce the need for tighter surveillance. Moreover, coordination among border security forces and railway authorities.
“We are committed to ensuring that Tripura does not become a corridor for illegal activity. Our police and intelligence units are working round the clock to prevent such incidents,” a state government spokesperson said.
Legal Process and Repatriation
The arrested Bangladeshi is currently in judicial custody and will be produced before a magistrate. Officials confirmed that steps are being taken to contact Bangladeshi authorities through the Ministry of External Affairs for identification and possible repatriation.
The two Indian touts are being interrogated to identify other agents involved. In common, digital devices recovered from them are being scanned for clues regarding their clients and collaborators.
The Bangladeshi held at Agartala railway station incident underscores the urgent need for multi-agency collaboration in tackling human trafficking and illegal immigration. As Tripura tightens its security net, the arrests serve as a strong reminder that the state remains vigilant against threats to its internal security.
