Missing Youth Killed in India—Family Claims, BGB Yet to Confirm

A young man from Companiganj Upazila in Sylhet district has reportedly been found dead inside Indian territory, three days after he went missing, according to claims made by his family. However, the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has stated that no formal complaint has yet been received from the victim’s family, and the matter is still under verification in coordination with India’s Border Security Force (BSF).

The missing individual has been identified as Saddam Hossain (32), son of Kutu Miah from Lamagram village under North Ranikhai Union in Companiganj Upazila.

Family members claim that Saddam crossed the border into India on 1 April along with three others. Since then, he had not returned home. One of the companions allegedly returned to Bangladesh later with gunshot injuries and informed the family that Saddam had been shot dead inside Indian territory.

According to Saddam’s elder brother, Nizam Uddin, the family initially believed Saddam had visited relatives as he left home without carrying his mobile phone. Later, they learned that he had crossed the border illegally with others. He stated that he had been told Saddam sustained bullet injuries to his waist and leg and died on the spot.

Nizam Uddin further said that he attempted to visit the reported location with one of the companions but was unable to proceed due to the presence of BSF personnel. He also confirmed that a written complaint regarding Saddam’s disappearance was submitted to Companiganj Police Station on Saturday afternoon, while authorities advised him to inform the local BGB camp as well.

Police said the incident is under investigation. Companiganj Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md. Shofiqul Islam Khan noted that reports of a Bangladeshi national being killed by gunfire inside India are being verified in cooperation with the BGB.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant Colonel Md. Nazmul Haque, commanding officer of Sylhet BGB-48 Battalion, said the matter came to their attention through local residents and is being thoroughly investigated. He added that communication has been established with the BSF to confirm whether any body has been recovered in the border area, but the Indian side has so far denied any such recovery.

He further stated that surveillance along the border has been intensified and local communities are being warned against illegal border crossings.

Key Timeline of Events

Authorities from both sides continue to investigate the incident, with the exact circumstances surrounding Saddam Hossain’s disappearance and alleged death still unconfirmed.