BSF Attack in Boxanagar : DYFI Alleges BJP Booth President Among Accused, Questions Political Protection for Smugglers

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, November 4, 2026

Allegations of political patronage to smugglers have surfaced following the recent attack on Border Security Force (BSF) personnel at Ashabari in Boxanagar, Sepahijala district, with the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) claiming that individuals associated with the ruling BJP were among those involved in the incident.

According to information circulated through a social media post by DYFI Tripura State Secretary Nabarun Deb, Faruk Hossain, identified as the BJP booth president of Booth No. 20/13 in Ashabari, has been detained in connection with the attack. Another alleged participant, Kabir Hossain, was described in the post as a committed BJP worker.

The incident has triggered renewed debate over the alleged influence of organised smuggling networks in the Boxanagar area and whether political connections have contributed to a climate of impunity. DYFI has questioned how the attackers could allegedly muster the courage to assault BSF personnel, who are deployed to prevent cross-border smuggling and other illegal activities.

In his social media post, Deb referred to the killing of police officer Durgacharan Rankhal in Boxanagar on November 22, 2019. The officer was allegedly run over by smugglers during an operation. Deb claimed that nearly seven years after the incident, the perpetrators had not been arrested or punished, although the status of the case and the investigation requires independent confirmation.

According to Deb, the alleged failure to secure accountability in the earlier case sent a message that smuggling activities could continue without serious consequences. He argued that this perceived impunity may have emboldened those who attacked BSF personnel in the latest incident.

Deb further alleged that the accused in the recent attack had political connections, claiming that some were BJP office-bearers or workers, while others were relatives of local political leaders. He also alleged that the individuals were close associates of Boxanagar MLA Tafajjal Hossain.

The attack on BSF personnel at Ashabari has raised serious concerns about the safety of security forces operating in areas vulnerable to smuggling. The incident has also intensified calls for a transparent investigation, the arrest of all those involved, and strict legal action against anyone found responsible, irrespective of political affiliation.

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