A group of illegal Bangladeshi migrants clashed with Border Security Force (BSF) personnel at the International Border in West Bengal in the early hours of Wednesday, as they attempted robbery and smuggling, officials said.
At least one illegal migrant and a BSF jawan were injured in the violent clash that ensued.
The incident took place in north Bengal’s Dakshin Dinajpur district where the illegal migrants surreptitiously crossed into India.
Alerted by the intrusion, the BSF jawans confronted the illegal migrants, who were armed with machetes, sticks and wire cutters.
Despite repeated warnings, the illegal migrants attacked the BSF team with sharp weapons instead of retreating.
The BSF jawans used non-lethal munitions in a bid to deter them. Unfazed by the attack, the illegal immigrants managed to encircle the jawans.
As the scuffle broke out, a BSF jawan was injured as the Bangladeshi nationals tried to snatch his gun.
Seeing the situation spiral out of control, the BSF personnel opened fire in self-defense, forcing the attackers to run away.
The Bangladeshi miscreants managed to evade capture due to low visibility caused by dense fog. However, one injured Bangladeshi migrant was found during the search operation.
The BSF immediately rushed him to Gangarampur Hospital for medical treatment.
The BSF further recovered machetes, sticks, and a wire cutter. The injured BSF soldier has also received medical attention and is out of danger, according to officials.
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