India on Friday rejected Bangladesh’s claim that three of its citizens were lynched by a mob in Tripura, stating instead that the men were smugglers who crossed the border illegally and died following an altercation with local villagers.
External affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the incident occurred on October 15, about three kilometres inside Indian territory near Bidyabil village.
According to Jaiswal, the Bangladeshi nationals tried to steal cattle and attacked locals with iron dahs and knives, killing one villager before others resisted.
Two of the attackers were found dead at the scene, while the third succumbed to injuries in hospital the following day.
“The mortal remains of all three have been handed over to the Bangladesh side. Police have also registered a case,” Jaiswal said.
Strained relations and border concerns
The incident comes amid heightened tensions between India and Bangladesh since the interim government led by Nobel laureate Mohammad Yunus took charge in August 2024.
The two neighbours have exchanged sharp words on several issues, including Dhaka’s complaints of “border killings” and India’s call for stronger fencing and vigilance along the frontier.
India has fenced over 3,000 km of the 4,096-km border, but New Delhi maintains that Bangladesh’s resistance to fencing certain stretches enables criminal cross-border activities.
Foreign secretary defends India’s position
Responding to Dhaka’s protests, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said such incidents occur within Indian territory only after smugglers, human traffickers, or arms traffickers illegally cross the border.
He emphasised the importance of joint responsibility and cooperation to prevent such crimes, reiterating India’s stance on the need to uphold the sanctity of the international boundary.
