Tripura BSF Attack: Eight More Arrested, Total Number of Accused Reaches 18

Eight more people have been arrested for allegedly attacking Border Security Force (BSF) personnel in Tripura's Sepahijala district, taking the total number of arrests in the case to 18, police said on Friday.

The incident occurred on November 2 near the Ashabari border outpost, where a group of villagers allegedly attacked BSF personnel following the detention of a person on suspicion of smuggling.

Three BSF personnel, including an Assistant Commandant, sustained injuries in the attack. The mob also allegedly vandalised a BSF vehicle and attempted to snatch weapons from the border guards.

"Eight people were arrested in connection with the attack on BSF personnel at Ashabari. Earlier, 10 villagers, who were directly involved in the November 2 incident, were arrested," a senior police officer said.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Manik Saha chaired a review meeting on Thursday to assess the state's security situation. Senior officials from the state administration, police, BSF, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Assam Rifles attended the meeting.

Saha said the Ashabari incident was also reviewed during the meeting and that authorities had been directed to ensure strict legal action against those involved.

He stressed the need for a zero-tolerance approach towards cross-border smuggling and called for strengthening security arrangements to maintain peace in the state.

The incident has brought border security and alleged smuggling activities in the region under renewed scrutiny, with the state government directing security agencies to take measures to prevent similar incidents.