Seven Bangladeshi nationals detained amid rape rumours in Sepahijala village

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, February 23, 2026

Tension prevailed at Kaiyadhepa, a border village in Sepahijala district, after rumours circulated regarding the alleged rape of a Bangladeshi woman who had reportedly entered India illegally. The situation prompted the Border Security Force to conduct a search operation on Saturday night, police said.

During the operation, seven Bangladeshi nationals, including a 23-year-old woman and two minors, were detained and later handed over to Madhupur police station for legal action. Officer-in-Charge Ujjwal Chowdhury said initial inputs suggested that the woman had been sexually assaulted at a private residence where the group had been staying temporarily. However, after detention, the woman declined to file any complaint and denied that any such incident had occurred.

Preliminary investigation indicates that the group allegedly crossed into Indian territory from Bangladesh with the assistance of local touts. They had reportedly taken shelter at a residence in Noabari village prior to being detained.

Police identified the detainees as individuals hailing from Khulna and Pirojpur districts of Bangladesh. Investigators suspect the involvement of local facilitators in aiding their illegal entry and have initiated a probe. Further investigation is underway to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the allegations and cross-border movement.

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