BGB blocks India’s BSF fence in Malda, allegations of bribes, looting by Bangladeshi dacoits surface

Tensions are escalating in the Shukdebpur area of Vaishnavnagar, Malda, where the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) is accused of obstructing the Border Security Force (BSF) from constructing a barbed wire fence along the India-Bangladesh border. According to residents, the BGB has been actively blocking the installation of this fence, which India asserts is within its rights for securing the border. The fence is a crucial element of India's efforts to control illegal crossings and curb cross-border criminal activities, including smuggling and infiltration.

The residents of Shukdebpur, a village located along the border, have expressed increasing concern over the rise in illegal border crossings and criminal activities by Bangladeshi dacoits. Locals report that dacoits are frequently entering India through unprotected areas of the border, looting livestock including ducks, chickens, goats, and even cows. Additionally, the dacoits have been destroying crops, compounding the difficulties faced by the villagers. The repeated instances of such incidents have prompted calls for stronger border security and better protection of local residents.

In relation to these activities, villagers have made serious allegations against the BGB, claiming that they are being extorted by the border guards. According to the complaints, Bangladeshi dacoits are required to pay bribes to the BGB to allow them to cross the border into India. The bribes, reportedly ranging from 50 to 100 Bangladeshi taka, are allegedly pocketed by the BGB personnel. The villagers have raised concerns that these extortions are contributing to the unchecked movement of dacoits into India, further exacerbating the security situation.

The situation at the border has led to frustration among the residents, who feel that the authorities are not taking adequate action to address the growing number of illegal activities. Locals have expressed their willingness to take matters into their own hands if the situation persists, warning that they will not allow the dacoits to return to Bangladesh if they cross into India again. The community's sense of insecurity has been heightened by the repeated incursions and lack of sufficient response from border authorities.

The ongoing issues at the Shukdebpur border highlight the complex security challenges faced along the India-Bangladesh border. While both India and Bangladesh have agreed on several measures to manage border security, including the installation of fencing, the effectiveness of these measures continues to be questioned. Smuggling, human trafficking, and the movement of illicit goods remain significant concerns. The India-Bangladesh border spans over 4,000 kilometers, and despite various agreements between the two nations, illegal activities continue to pose a threat to both national security and the livelihood of border residents.