BDR jawans shoot Indian youth in West Bengal

Balurghat, Oct 18 (UNI) Indian national Sourav Poddar (26) was allegedly gunned down by Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) jawans at Dakshin Para of Hili border in South Dinajpur today, the West Bengal police said.

Police said Sourav, a local resident, was shot at by BDR jawans when he protested against the riflemen, who were pushing some Bangladeshi nationals through the Hili border this morning.

The local people immediately rushed to the spot and took the injured youth to Balurghat Sadar Hospital. At around 1250 hours, Sourav was declared dead by the hospital authorities.

Reacting to BDR's intrusion and subsequent firing, the local people protested the ''indifferent attitude'' of the BSF and demanded immediate security against the ''foreign invasion''.

The BSF's 57 battalion has been posted at the Hili Border.

Sanjit Das, an eyewitness, said although the BSF personnel were posted close to the scene, they did not react to the murder.

District Magistrate of South Dinajpur, Syed Sarfaraj Ahamed told reporters that though the situation was very tense, it was under control.

The incident occurred when Sourav, who was returning home from tuitions, saw two BDR jawans pushing some Bangladeshi people inside the Indian border. When he protested this, the BDR opened fire on the 26-year-old-youth. Eyewitnesses said the bullets pierced through Sourav's skull and he collapsed.

The BSF Commanding Officer said arrangements were being made for a flag meeting with the BDR to take stock of the situation.

The BSF recovered some empty cartridges and caps belonging to the BDR jawans proved that they came much inside the Indian soil at the Dakshin Para area of the Hili Border.

UNI XC PC PB HS1718