SHILLONG: A civilian lost his life when Border Security Force (BSF) personnel opened fire on a mob in Daliya village, East Khasi Hills.
The deceased was identified as Asen M. Marak and an investigation to unravel the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate incident, as stated by the Superintendent of Police Rituraj Ravi to a local daily.
According to a BSF spokesperson, the incident unfolded during a special operation aimed at thwarting smuggling operations, particularly involving sugar and onions.
The BSF team, acting on specific intelligence, intercepted miscreants transporting contraband towards Bangladesh.
The confrontation erupted at approximately 8 am on March 1, just 150 meters from the Bangladesh border, when BSF personnel encountered unidentified individuals.
The village, situated in a sensitive border area, became the battleground for a clash triggered by suspected smuggling activities.
However, the situation rapidly deteriorated as the smugglers defied warnings and launched an assault on the BSF personnel.
Despite efforts to disperse the mob using non-lethal means, the confrontation escalated, resulting in injuries to three BSF personnel, one severely.
Amidst the chaos, BSF personnel resorted to firing warning shots to deter the aggressive mob, yet the assailants persisted in their assault.
Subsequently, a second round of firing was initiated, leading to the dispersal of the mob, albeit with casualties.
The BSF clarified that the area around Daliya village is notorious for smuggling activities, ranging from cattle heads to liquor, perpetuated by syndicates seeking to disrupt peace for their selfish gains.
Investigations are ongoing to ascertain the full extent of the incident and ensure accountability for the loss of civilian life amidst the turmoil.
