Tanmoy Chakraborty

Agartala, March 1: Two Tripura farmers, who entered Bangladesh territory, were picked up by the Bangladesh Border Guard (BGB) on Saturday for allegedly smuggling contraband.

The incident took place at Karangi Chhara and Vidyabil border areas under Khowai district.

Speaking to reporters, a senior police official said they received the information today.

“Four farmers had crossed the international border through gate number 26 under Karangi Chhara Border Out Post (BOP) with the permission of the Indian security force on Saturday morning. Among them, two farmers came back in the afternoon but the other two did not return. The two returning farmers informed the BSF that the other two farmers identified as Rajib Debbarma and Gurupada Debbarma, both residents of East Karangi Cherra, were detained by the BGB along the border,” a police statement said.

BGB alleges contraband sales

The police official said after receiving the information the BSF also contacted with its counterpart and there were that the duo had entered 300 metres inside the Bangladesh territory and were allegedly selling contraband when they were apprehended.

“The BGB has handed over the two Indians to Bangladesh police. However, Rajib Debbarma’s wife received a call from Gurupada on the same day asking for the photocopy of Aadhar card to be sent through WhatsApp in the phone he called,” the police told reporters.

BGB and BSF flag meeting likely

Sources said the BGB and BSF are likely to hold a flag meeting over the issue.

Tripura shares an 856-km-long international border with neighboring Bangladesh, of which around 67 km area