Tripura Police have arrested 18 of the 19 people named in an FIR over an attack on Border Security Force (BSF) personnel in Ashabari, Sepahijala district. Police made the latest arrests late Thursday night, November 5, bringing the total number of arrests to 18. The attack allegedly involved suspected smugglers and villagers who confronted BSF personnel while they were on duty.
Four BSF personnel suffered injuries during the incident. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Manik Saha has directed officials to take strict legal action against those responsible and adopt a zero-tolerance approach towards cross-border smuggling. Police are continuing their investigation and searching for the remaining accused.
Key Facts About the Ashabari BSF Attack
- Location: Ashabari, Sepahijala district, Tripura
- Total accused named in FIR: 19
- Total arrested: 18
- Latest arrests: Eight on Thursday night, November 5
- Earlier arrests: 10 on November 3
- BSF personnel injured: Four
- Chief Minister: Manik Saha
- Remaining accused: One person
- Main concern: Attack on security personnel and suspected cross-border smuggling
Tripura Police Arrest 18 Accused
Police have intensified their investigation into the attack on BSF personnel in Ashabari. Officers initially arrested 10 people on November 3. Subsequently, police teams arrested eight more suspects late Thursday night.
With these latest arrests, authorities have taken 18 of the 19 people named in the FIR into custody. Only one accused remains at large.
A police official confirmed the development and said officers would soon apprehend the remaining suspect. The official also stated that the investigation remains underway.
The attack reportedly took place when BSF personnel were performing their duties in the Ashabari area. Suspected smugglers and some villagers allegedly attacked the security personnel, leaving four jawans injured.
Manik Saha Reviews Tripura’s Law and Order Situation
The incident also featured prominently during a high-level law and order review meeting chaired by Chief Minister Manik Saha on Thursday.
Senior officials attended the meeting, including Chief Secretary JK Sinha, in-charge Director General of Police GS Rao, Home Secretary Abhishek Singh and BSF Inspector General Princee Rani. Representatives of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Assam Rifles also participated.
During the meeting, officials briefed the Chief Minister on the circumstances surrounding the Ashabari attack and the progress of the police investigation. They also informed him that police had arrested 10 of the 19 accused at that stage.
Chief Minister Orders Strict Action Against Attackers
Chief Minister Manik Saha expressed concern over the assault on BSF personnel and directed authorities to take firm legal action against everyone involved.
He stressed that the government would not tolerate violence against security personnel performing their duties. Furthermore, he instructed the concerned departments to strengthen measures against cross-border smuggling.
Saha also called for a zero-tolerance approach towards illegal activities along the state’s border areas. Consequently, security agencies are expected to maintain strict vigilance and coordinate their efforts to prevent further incidents.
Why the Ashabari Incident Matters for Tripura
Tripura shares an international border with Bangladesh, making border security and the prevention of cross-border smuggling important concerns for the state.
Therefore, the attack on BSF personnel has raised serious concerns about the safety of security forces operating in border areas. The arrests and the Chief Minister’s directions underline the state’s focus on maintaining law and order and strengthening border security.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many people have Tripura Police arrested in the Ashabari BSF attack case?
Police have arrested 18 of the 19 people named in the FIR.
2. How many BSF personnel suffered injuries?
Four BSF personnel sustained injuries during the alleged attack.
3. When did police make the latest arrests?
Police arrested eight more accused late Thursday night, November 5.
4. Who chaired the law and order review meeting?
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha chaired the high-level meeting on Thursday.
5. What action has the Chief Minister ordered?
Saha directed authorities to take strict legal action against those involved and strengthen measures to prevent cross-border smuggling.
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