(District: North 24 Parganas)
On May 24, 2023, at 19:15 hours, the jawans of Border Outpost Ramchandrapur from the 107 Battalion under South Bengal Frontier received information from reliable sources about a large quantity of Ganja being stored in an abandoned house in Bira village, near the border.
Subsequently, the jawans set up an ambush in the area and began surrounding the said house. Around 21:45 hours, they approached the tin house and observed two smugglers packing the ganja into plastic packets. As the jawans approached them, one of the smugglers fled the scene, while the other was apprehended by the jawans. While the BSF jawans were conducting a search of the surrounding area, a crowd of approximately 150-200 men and women gathered at the scene, vehemently demanding the release of the captured smuggler.
The BSF jawans attempted to calm the crowd, but it gradually started moving closer to them, growing increasingly agitated. Armed with sticks and rods, the mob began chanting “Maro Maro” (Hit them). Consequently, when the crowd continued to advance with the intention to attack, the jawan fired one round into the air in an attempt to disperse them, but the crowd remained undeterred. Meanwhile, as the BSF jawans began escorting the arrested smuggler and the confiscated items towards the border outpost, the crowd began pelting stones.
The jawans fired another round into the air, but the crowd persisted in their attempts to secure the smuggler’s release. Ultimately, demonstrating quick thinking, the jawans fired several more rounds into the air, one after the other, successfully bringing the arrested smuggler to the border post along with the seized contraband.The troops exhibited remarkable wisdom and successfully accomplished their mission without causing harm to anyone.
The apprehended smuggler has been identified as Misanto Ghosh, a 22-year-old resident of Ramchandrapur village in North 24 Parganas district. During interrogation, the smuggler confessed to being involved in smuggling since 2021, working for Shahid Mandal (Laltu) from Bira village, who procures Ganja from Odisha. He further revealed that another smuggler named Ronnie Mandal was also present with him on the spot but managed to escape. The arrested smuggler was handed over to Bangaon Police Station along with the seized contraband.
The Commanding Officer of the 107 Battalion stated that the BSF jawans consistently seize large quantities of contraband, thwarting the plans of smugglers. He also mentioned that supporters of the smugglers often obstruct the work of BSF jawans. Efforts are underway to identify and apprehend those involved in smuggling.
( Source : BSF )