Five Indian civilian boat operators, employed by the Border Security Force (BSF) to combat cattle smuggling, have been detained by the Bangladesh Border Guard (BGB) after their boats inadvertently drifted into Bangladeshi territory due to strong currents in the Ganga River near Malda.
BSF officials report that the BGB has declined their request for the immediate return of the operators. A senior BSF official stated, “The boat drifted into Bangladesh. When BSF officers requested the return of the Indian boat operators, BGB officers refused, citing the current situation in Bangladesh and pressure from the media.”
The incident occurred on August 17th during an anti-smuggling operation. BSF personnel at the Nimtita border outpost observed suspicious activity in the river, prompting the deployment of two boats. The boats discovered cattle being smuggled across the river, tied to banana stems to aid their floatation.
During the attempt to intercept the smugglers and rescue the cattle, one of the boats encountered technical difficulties after hitting a whirlpool in the turbulent river, causing it to drift uncontrollably into Bangladeshi waters. The second boat, in an effort to tow the disabled vessel, was also swept away by the strong currents, resulting in both boats and their five operators crossing into Bangladesh.
BSF officials have expressed their concern over the detention of the boat operators and are actively engaging with their Bangladeshi counterparts to secure their prompt release.
The incident underscores the challenges and risks associated with border security operations, particularly in areas with difficult terrain and unpredictable natural conditions. It also highlights the complex dynamics at play in the ongoing efforts to curb cross-border cattle smuggling, an illicit trade with significant economic and security implications.
