8 Bangladeshi Nationals, 2 Indian Traffickers Held in Foiled Infiltration Attempt in Assam’s South Salmara

In a pre-dawn operation based on specific intelligence inputs, security forces in Assam’s South Salmara-Mankachar district apprehended eight Bangladeshi nationals and two Indian touts allegedly involved in an infiltration and trafficking attempt across the Indo-Bangladesh border.

The arrests were made around 5:30 am in the Fekamari Tinali area, a known sensitive zone for cross-border movement.

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The operation was led by the Assistant Superintendent of Police (Headquarters) and involved the Deputy Superintendent of Police (Border), officers from Kharuabandha Outpost, and troops from the 183 Battalion of the Border Security Force (BSF). Intelligence had suggested that a group of Bangladeshi nationals had reached the Fekamari area and were attempting to cross back into Bangladesh through riverine routes under the jurisdiction of the Sanjay Sadhu and Deepchar border outposts.

The eight Bangladeshi nationals hail from the Rajshahi district of Bangladesh and had reportedly entered India through various border points across West Bengal and Tripura. One among them, Nadim Islam, is believed to have entered the country legally on a visa through the Haridaspur Integrated Check Post in West Bengal but was found to be part of the group attempting to re-cross illegally.

The two Indian nationals arrested have been identified as Khairul Islam, a resident of Borobila, and Nurul Islam from Nandia, Pipulbari. Both are suspected to be part of a trafficking network operating along the international border. A black SUV, which was allegedly being used to transport the infiltrators, has been seized.

All the Bangladeshi nationals are currently being held at the Sishumara Border Outpost of the BSF, where biometric data collection and interrogation are ongoing. Authorities confirmed that they would be repatriated to Bangladesh after completion of the necessary verification and coordination with Bangladeshi counterparts.

Meanwhile, legal proceedings have been initiated against the two Indian traffickers under the Foreigners Act and relevant sections dealing with human trafficking.

Officials have launched a wider investigation to uncover potential links to organised cross-border trafficking operations. Coordination is being maintained with cyber cell units and local intelligence teams to trace communication records and movement patterns of the accused.

The district of South Salmara-Mankachar, bordering Bangladesh’s Rajshahi division, is considered one of Assam’s most porous and vulnerable border sectors. The riverine terrain and limited fencing in certain stretches make it a frequent corridor for illegal migration and trafficking.