Tensions erupted in Sepahijala district of Tripura after local miscreants attacked the Three Border Security Force (BSF) personnel on Monday, 2nd November. The incident took place near Natun Bazar in the Ashabari area, under Kalamchoura police station, after residents gathered to protest against the detention of Hefzur Rahman during a vegetation-clearing operation. Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha strongly condemned the attack and directed officials to take strict action against those responsible.
So far, the police have arrested eight accused individuals.
Tension erupted near Ashabari Gram Panchayat in Tripura’s Sepahijala district on Monday following a clash between local residents and Border Security Force (BSF) personnel over an alleged smuggling-related issue. According to preliminary reports, a BSF jawan allegedly assaulted a local resident, Hefzur Rahman, with a lathi, triggering protests and a road blockade by residents. The situation escalated after an Assistant Commandant and his team were reportedly attacked by an agitated crowd, with their vehicle vandalised. A subsequent clash left Assistant Commandant Rohit Kumar and three others injured. The injured were taken to Boxanagar Primary Health Centre for treatment. The situation has since returned to normal. Further developments are awaited. Follow: https://t.co/OWhcRYoyPk #Tripura #Sepahijala #BSF #Ashabari #BorderSecurity
— India Today NE (@IndiaTodayNE) November 2, 2026
The injured BSF personnel have been identified as Company Commander Rohit, driver Sunil Kumar and Manjit, all posted with the BSF’s 49th Battalion. They were travelling in a BSF vehicle bearing registration number TR-01-AL-1051 from Rahimpur towards Boxanagar when they encountered a group of protesters near Natun Bazar. The crowd attacked them with sticks and bamboo, damaging the vehicle in the process.
The three personnel sustained injuries to different parts of their bodies. They were initially taken to Boxanagar Hospital and later referred to Tripura Medical College and Hospital in Agartala for further treatment.
Villagers protest after local man’s detention, clash breaks out
According to media reports, the confrontation began after the BSF detained Hefzur Rahman during a vegetation-clearing operation near Ashabari Gram Panchayat. Following his detention, villagers blocked the Ashabari-Rahimpur road near Natun Bazar and demanded action against the BSF personnel involved.
The situation escalated when the BSF vehicle reached the protest site. The villagers attacked the personnel and also attempted to snatch their firearms. A government vehicle was vandalised during the incident.
Police personnel from Kalamchoura police station and the Ashabari BSF Border Outpost rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control. Additional police and BSF personnel were deployed in the area, and also the deployment of Tripura State Rifles personnel. Cases have been filed by both sides at Kalamchoura police station. Senior BSF officials also visited the area, and an investigation has been initiated into the incident.
Tripura CM condemns attack, orders strict action
Chief Minister Manik Saha condemned the assault on the BSF personnel and directed the authorities to take swift action against those involved.
In a post on X, he said, “I strongly condemn the brutal assault on our brave BSF personnel at Ashabari by a group of miscreants. Such acts of violence against our security forces are completely unacceptable and deserve unequivocal condemnation.”
I strongly condemn the brutal assault on our brave BSF personnel at Ashabari by a group of miscreants. Such acts of violence against our security forces are completely unacceptable and deserve unequivocal condemnation. Any attack on our security personnel is a matter of grave concern and must be dealt with firmly in accordance with the law. Concerned authorities directed to take swift and stringent action against those responsible and ensure that justice is delivered. Our security personnel deserve the utmost respect and protection.
— Prof.(Dr.) Manik Saha (@DrManikSaha2) November 2, 2026
He further said that the authorities had been directed to ensure justice and that attacks on security personnel must be dealt with firmly. “Concerned authorities are directed to take swift and stringent action against those responsible and ensure that justice is delivered. Our security personnel deserve the utmost respect and protection,” Saha added.
