BSF pushes 14 Indian nationals into Bangladesh, labeling them as Bangladeshis

NN ONLINE:

The Indian Border Security Force (BSF) allegedly pushed 14 Indian nationals, including women, elderly persons and children from the same family, into Bangladesh through the Darshana border in Chuadanga, identifying them as Bangladeshis.  The incident occurred late Friday night, and the group is currently in the custody of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB).

Local and victim sources said the BSF took advantage of dense fog and forcibly pushed the family into Bangladesh through a point near the Nimtal border gate at Darshana. All 14 individuals are members of the same family.

The victims claimed they are permanent residents of Jagatsinghpur district in Odisha, India. They alleged that Indian police and the BSF forcibly sent them to Bangladesh because they are a Muslim family. They also claimed to be Indian citizens by birth and said their Aadhaar and ration cards were seized by Indian authorities.

After entering Bangladesh, the family wandered in border areas before taking shelter near Darshana bus stand, where locals noticed them. On humanitarian grounds, residents provided temporary shelter, food and winter clothing.

Following media coverage and social media circulation, Darshana police and members of BGB’s Chuadanga-6 Battalion took them into custody and began verifying their identities and citizenship.

Confirming the incident, Lt Col Md Nazmul Hasan, commanding officer of BGB-6, said verification was underway. He added that no valid documents were found and contact was being made with the BSF and relevant authorities. Necessary humanitarian assistance has been provided, he said.