Tension broke out along the India-Bangladesh border in West Bengal’s Cooch Behar district after a group of Bangladeshi sand smugglers entered Indian territory and clashed with Border Security Force (BSF) personnel. The incident took place near the Saniajan River in Bhotbari village, under the Mekhliganj block, on Saturday, October 24. A video showing the confrontation has since gone viral on social media.
Tension escalates along the India-Bangladesh 🇮🇳 🇧🇩 border in Mekhliganj, Coochbehar. Bangladeshi miscreants attacked BSF personnel with sticks & stones after the troops intervened over illegal sand & stone extraction from the Saniajan river inside Indian territory. BSF retaliated, forcing the attackers to flee. https://t.co/F7CXMWKIiw
— Megh Updates 🚨™ (@MeghUpdates) October 25, 2026
According to local sources, around 30 to 50 Bangladeshi miscreants entered Indian territory and started digging sand and collecting stones from the river. When BSF personnel tried to stop them, the group moved towards the jawans with bamboo sticks, rods and other weapons.
BSF used smoke grenades to drive them away
BSF personnel from the 62nd Battalion, posted at the Koshi border outpost, reached the spot after receiving information about the sand smuggling. The jawans entered the river to stop the activity and drive the intruders away.
However, the group outnumbered the BSF personnel and attacked them with sticks and rods. In response, the jawans used smoke grenades to push the group back. The Bangladeshi miscreants eventually retreated from the area.
The video of the incident, which is circulating on social media, captures people shouting and screaming during the clash. The footage has raised concerns about security along the India-Bangladesh border.
Locals raise concerns over sand smuggling
Residents of the area said sand and stones have been taken from the Saniajan River for a long time. They stated that people from Bangladesh frequently enter the river to collect these materials despite occasional action by the BSF.
The border fence runs through the Mekhliganj area, while the Saniajan River flows through Indian territory. Locals fear that continuous sand excavation could change the river’s course and bring it closer to nearby riverbanks, creating problems for people living in the area.
Prashant Kumar Roy, a local resident, said around 40 to 50 people were digging sand and collecting stones from the river when the BSF arrived to stop them. He said the group did not listen to the jawans and instead attacked them, forcing the force to respond with grenades.
Roy stressed that the river belongs to India and said strict action was needed to stop the repeated removal of sand and stones. He also warned that uncontrolled excavation could affect the river’s course and cause difficulties for nearby residents.
Security tightened along the border
The incident has created fear and tension among residents of the border area. Locals have called for stronger action to prevent illegal sand excavation and ensure that such clashes do not happen again.
Security has been increased in the area, with forces deployed to prevent further incidents and keep a close watch on the border. The BSF has not yet issued an official statement on the incident.
