Bangladeshi teenager killed in firing by Indians after crossing border

The deceased was identified as Sohag Mia, 17, son of Shafiq Mia of Chunarughat upazila.

The incident took place inside India on Sunday afternoon, and 55 Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) confirmed the matter in a press release.

According to the BGB, a group of Bangladeshis crossed the zero line through the Chimtibil border area of Chunarughat at around 1pm and entered about one kilometre into Indian territory. The BGB said they had gone there to bring back cows.

Later, they got into an argument and a scuffle with Indian smugglers, the BGB said.

At one stage, the Indian smugglers allegedly opened fire with pellet guns, seriously injuring Sohag.

His companions rescued him, brought him back to Bangladesh and admitted him to Chunarughat Government Hospital. He died while undergoing treatment there.

The BGB claimed that some members of Sohag's family were involved in smuggling and that several cases had been filed against them at the local police station.

Following the incident, a patrol team from Chimtibil Border Outpost (BOP) went to the spot.

When the matter was brought to the attention of the Border Security Force (BSF), it informed the BGB that it was investigating the firing incident in its area, according to the BGB.

The BGB has called for an emergency flag meeting at the BOP level over the incident, reports UNB.

Meanwhile, intelligence surveillance and patrolling have been strengthened in the border area, the BGB said.