JALPAIGURI, WEST BENGAL: Tension has reportedly increased along the India-Bangladesh border in Jalpaiguri’s Rajganj after an Indian tea grower was allegedly taken across the border by a group of Bangladeshi nationals and later handed over to the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB).
The farmer, identified as Dipankar Gop, has reportedly not returned home nearly 24 hours after the incident. His family has alleged that he is being held in Bangladesh.
Farmer Was Working in His Tea Garden
According to his family, Dipankar had gone to his tea garden near the border to spray pesticides. They said he was working on the Indian side of the border when a group of Bangladeshi nationals allegedly took him across the border.
Local sources said Dipankar had entered the area near his tea plantation through Gate No. 30 of the Balasan and Chaulhati Border Outposts (BOPs).
The Jalpaiguri District Small Tea Growers’ Association has reportedly stated that the tea garden is located on Indian territory.
BSF-BGB Flag Meeting Reportedly Held
Efforts are reportedly underway to secure Dipankar’s return. Local sources said a flag meeting between the Border Security Force (BSF) and BGB was held over the matter, but no immediate resolution was reached.
The incident has raised questions about how an Indian farmer working on his own land near the border could allegedly be taken across despite the presence of border surveillance and security arrangements.
Video Circulates on Social Media
A video reportedly circulating in Bangladeshi media has added to concerns surrounding the incident. In the video, a person identified as Dipankar is allegedly heard saying that he would be released only if a Bangladeshi national detained in India was sent back.
However, the authenticity of the video has not been independently verified.
Rajganj MLA Dinesh Sarkar said he had heard that the incident could be linked to the earlier detention of a Bangladeshi national by the BSF. He suggested that Dipankar may have been taken across the border in retaliation, but clarified that the information had not been confirmed.
The MLA also said he had spoken with a senior BSF official regarding the matter.
Family and Tea Growers Seek His Safe Return
Jalpaiguri District Small Tea Growers’ Association president Bijay Gopal Chakraborty expressed concern over the incident and questioned the security of farmers whose plantations are located close to the international border.
He said farmers should be able to work safely on their land and urged the administration to strengthen security arrangements in vulnerable border areas.
West Bengal Minister of State for Transport Anand Barman said the state government was making efforts to secure the farmer’s return. He said he had spoken with BSF officials and expressed hope that Dipankar would return home soon.
The BSF has not yet issued an official response to the allegations.
The incident has consequently raised fresh concerns about border security and the safety of residents whose agricultural land lies close to the India-Bangladesh international boundary.
