Fisherman Allegedly Killed In BSF Firing Near India-Bangladesh Border In Assam, Inquiry Launched

Police said the man was found lying with bullet holes in the Assam village of Gudoli.

Guwahati:

A fisherman is believed to have been shot dead by the Border Security Force, or BSF, staff near the India-Bangladesh border at Mankachar, in the South Salmara district of Assam, last night. Assam police have launched an investigation. The BSF Border Public Relations Officer Guwahati was unavailable for comment at the time of this report’s submission.

Police say tensions have flared in the district over the murder and security has been tightened in border villages. District officials suggested it may have been a case of mistaken identity, with BSF officers suspecting the fisherman was a smuggler.

According to police sources, in the village of Gudoli of Mankachar, just 500 meters from the India-Bangladesh border, a man was found lying with bullet wounds. The injured were identified as Monirujjaman, a local fisherman. He struggled with his injuries while being taken to the hospital.

“The victim’s family members have alleged that he was killed in the BSF shooting, but BSF will confirm that only after the investigation is complete. We have yet to locate the man. Killed was a fisherman or smuggler A fishing gear and Saifur Ali, BSF DSP, South Salmara, said torches were recovered from the deceased.

Gudoli villagers believe that Monirujjaman was fishing at night when he was shot down by BSF officers on patrol.

“People heard gunshots and ran to find Monirujjaman lying wounded with bullet wounds. He died on the way to the hospital,” a resident told reporters.