Border Security Force (BSF) officials on Thursday strongly refuted Bangladesh government’s accusation on the killing of a 13-year-old girl, Shwarna Das, saying its troopers during a routine patrolling found the girl’s body on September 1 from near the Laitapura Border Outpost (BOP) in Tripura's Unakoti district.
Bangladesh's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Thursday, "The MoFA has lodged a formal protest with the Government of India on the killing of a 13-year-old Bangladeshi girl named Shwarna Das from Juri upazila in Moulvibazar district, who was shot by the BSF on September 1."
Strongly denying Bangladesh's claims, a BSF spokesman said that immediately after the recovery of the body, they talked with their counterpart Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and apprised them in what condition it was found.
“On September 3, a Deputy Inspector General-level meeting between the BSF and BGB was held where BGB officials were again explained in detail in what condition the body of the girl was found,” the spokesperson told the media.
He added that as per routine procedure, the BSF is internally investigating the case and the probe is expected to be completed soon.
Tripura Police and the BSF on September 3 formally handed over the body of the minor girl found with bullet wounds to the BGB and Bangladesh Police authorities.
A police officer said that after the recovery of the body, a post-mortem was conducted at a hospital in Kailashahar, the headquarters of Unakoti district.
“After the autopsy, the girl's father from Bangladesh identified her body. We have handed over the body to BGB and Bangladesh Police,” the officer told the media.
Sources said the girl was part of a group of people which was trying to flee from Bangladesh and enter the Indian territory illegally on September 1.
The girl's body was found lying around 50-odd metres outside the border fence, close to the zero point near border pillar No. 57.
The teenager reportedly died from a bullet wound.
Some local media reports claimed that the girl was shot by BGB troopers when she was illegally entering the Indian territory.
In recent months, over 300 Bangladesh nationals who had illegally crossed the border have been arrested by various security agencies, including the BSF in Tripura.
India’s fight against terrorism will continue: Tripura CM Manik Saha
The Chief Minister, who according to the senior officials regularly monitors the India-Bangladesh border situation with Tripura, said that all the security and other agencies both at the state and national level are closely monitoring the situation.
3rd party intervention to negotiate or settle India’s matters uncalled-for: CPI-M
The Left leader said that U.S. President (Donald Trump) not only changes the country’s Vice-President’s stand but he is not behaving like a US President he is acting like a President of the world, which is unacceptable.
Satellites are continuously working to ensure India's security: ISRO Chairman
ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan on Sunday said that 10 satellites are continuously working round-the-clock for the strategic purpose to ensure the safety and security of the citizens of the country.
Indo-Pak tension: NE students studying in Punjab & Haryana moved to safer places
In the wake of the India-Pakistan tensions, various state governments of the northeast have moved their students studying in Punjab and Haryana to safer places, officials said on Saturday.
‘We are working under PM Modi’s direction’: Tripura CM
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Saturday said that he has requested the Central and state forces to work in synchronisation in dealing with the present situation arising in view of the India-Pakistan tensions.
Govt boosts social welfare schemes with increased allowances: CM
Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha today said that senior citizens are not a burden on society and everyone needs to expand the scope of respect, love, and compassion for the elderly so that no more old age homes are required in society.
Govt launches 24X7 helpline for students studying outside the state
In light of the ongoing India-Pakistan tensions, the Tripura government has launched a 24×7 emergency helpline to support students from the state who are pursuing education in different parts of the country.