Eight persons have been arrested in connection with the attack on Border Security Force (BSF) personnel at Ashabari in Boxanagar, Sepahijala district, Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha announced on Tuesday.
In a statement shared on Facebook, the Chief Minister confirmed the arrests and assured that everyone involved in the incident would face legal consequences.
“Eight accused persons have been arrested in connection with the assault on BSF personnel at Ashabari, Boxanagar. All those involved will be brought to justice, and strict legal action will be taken against them in accordance with the law. Violence against our security personnel will not be tolerated,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Tripura Police sources said that a case has been registered against 19 persons in connection with the incident.
The development follows Monday morning's violent confrontation between BSF personnel and local residents near Ashabari Gram Panchayat in Sepahijala district. The trouble reportedly started with a heated exchange between villagers and personnel deployed at Ashabari Border Outpost (BOP) under the BSF's 49th Battalion over an alleged smuggling-related issue.
During the altercation, a BSF jawan allegedly struck a local resident, Hefzur Rahman, with a lathi. The incident triggered widespread resentment among villagers, who subsequently blocked the Boxanagar–Rahimpur road, bringing traffic movement to a standstill.
Tensions intensified when Assistant Commandant Rohit Kumar of Rahimpur BOP arrived at the location along with other BSF personnel. The team reportedly faced an attack from the agitated crowd, and their vehicle was vandalised.
The confrontation escalated further following the arrival of additional BSF personnel, resulting in a clash between the security forces and local residents.
Assistant Commandant Rohit Kumar and three others sustained injuries during the violence. They were initially taken to Boxanagar Primary Health Centre (PHC) for preliminary medical attention.
According to police sources, normalcy has since returned to the area. Further legal proceedings are expected in connection with the case.
