Jalpaiguri56 minutes agoAuthor: Tirthankar Das
An Indian tea grower was allegedly abducted and taken across the international border into Bangladesh, reportedly in retaliation for disrupting suspected cross-border smuggling and infiltration attempts, triggering tension in a border village of West Bengal’s Jalpaiguri district.
The alleged abduction of 35-year-old Deepankar Gop, a tea grower from Tasar Para in the Kukurjan area of Rajganj block, took place on Saturday morning, according to his family and residents.
Allegedly targeted after border infiltration attempt
According to sources, tension had been building along the border after 10-15 Bangladeshi nationals allegedly attempted to enter India by cutting through a barbed-wire fence at the Chaulhati border on August 6.
The man was intercepted by BSF personnel and subsequently handed over to the police. Deepankar’s family alleged that the man was linked to a suspected Bangladeshi smuggling network. The family now suspects that Deepankar may have been targeted as retaliation following the incident.
Tea grower allegedly dragged across border
Deepankar had reportedly gone alone to his small tea garden on Saturday morning to spray pesticides. His approximately six-bigha tea plantation is located in a border area beyond the fencing.
According to the family, a group of Bangladeshi men suddenly entered the area while Deepankar was working. They allegedly attempted to forcibly take him to Bangladesh. When he resisted, a scuffle reportedly broke out between Deepankar and the alleged abductors.
By the time BSF personnel reached the spot after being alerted, Deepankar had allegedly been taken across the international border towards Panchagarh district in Bangladesh.
BSF, BGB hold flag meeting
Following the incident, the BSF immediately began efforts to secure Deepankar’s return. A flag meeting was also held with Bangladesh’s Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB). However, Deepankar had not been brought back to India by Sunday night. According to information available locally, he was in BGB custody.
A video purportedly showing Deepankar has also surfaced. In the video, he is heard saying that he would be released if the Bangladeshi national allegedly detained earlier was released. The authenticity of the video could not be independently verified.
Family fears retaliation over alleged smuggling
Deepankar’s father, Mishrilal Gop, alleged that around 20 people were involved in taking his son away. He said,
“He had gone to the tea garden in the morning. They took him away from there. A few days ago, one of them was caught by the BSF while allegedly trying to cut the fencing. Perhaps they took my son in retaliation
The family has appealed for Deepankar to be brought back safely.
Border villagers fear for security
The alleged abduction has triggered fear among residents of villages close to the international border.
Residents said several women from the area regularly travel to work in border-adjacent fields and expressed concern over their safety following the incident. Residents have urged the administration to strengthen security measures and ensure the safety of people living and working close to the border.
Investigation into cross-border crime angle
The incident has raised questions over whether the alleged abduction is connected to a wider cross-border criminal network involved in smuggling or illegal infiltration. The BSF is maintaining communication with the BGB as efforts continue to secure Deepankar’s safe return to India.
The exact circumstances behind the alleged abduction, the identities of those involved, and any possible connection with organised cross-border crime are being investigated.
