Khagrachhari Border Bust: Three Indians Held

Three Indian nationals were detained by a joint border enforcement team in Khagrachhari, Bangladesh, for allegedly entering the country illegally. The apprehension took place on Wednesday afternoon in the Pujgang area of Panchhari upazila. Officer-in-Charge Ferdous Wahid of Panchhari Police Station confirmed the arrests to the media on Thursday, 11 December.

Officer Wahid stated, “The suspects have been brought before the court today. Legal action will follow according to the court’s order.”

The arrested individuals are James Kumar Riang (33), Tarsen Riang (30), and Lal Thakma Riang (32), all residents of Gruinang Para in New Bazar, Gomati district, Tripura, India.

Police reports indicate that the trio entered Bangladesh via a secret route from Chopling Chhara under the Ruisyabari Police Station of Dhalai district, Tripura. They crossed into Panchhari at Rupsen Para and later travelled to Rakiang Lake village in Rangamati district. Their journey ended when they were intercepted at Pujgang while attempting to return to India.

Officer Wahid provided further background on Lal Thakma Riang, revealing that although he originates from Bilaichhari, Bangladesh, he moved permanently to India in 2020 after marriage, acquiring Indian citizenship. His parents, however, remain Bangladeshi citizens.

“The purpose of their border crossing,” Wahid explained, “was to collect money for the medical treatment of Lal Thakma’s eldest daughter, Sia Riang. James and Tarsen accompanied him from India to facilitate this task, which ultimately led to their detention by Bangladeshi authorities.”

This arrest underscores the challenges faced by border security forces in managing a lengthy, often porous boundary with India. Authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to upholding national security while ensuring that the detained individuals are dealt with according to the law.