A Bangladeshi national was reportedly killed in India’s Meghalaya state after being attacked by local residents, allegedly for illegal border crossing and attempted abduction.
The victim, identified as a 30-year-old man from Sherpur’s Jhenaigati upazila, was beaten on Monday afternoon in Khonjai Kaithakona village in South West Khasi Hills district.
According to family members and local representatives, the man, along with seven others, had illegally entered India through the Tahirpur border in Sunamganj. Reports from Indian media, including PTI, state that the group allegedly attempted to abduct a local resident and vandalize homes in Rongdangai village on August 9.
Five of them were detained by villagers, beaten, and handed over to police. Items reportedly recovered from the detainees included a revolver, identification documents, three wireless sets, and a magazine.
The deceased was captured separately in a forest near Khonjai Kaithakona on Monday afternoon. Locals handed him over to police in an injured condition, after which he was taken to Maheshkhola Primary Health Centre, where he died during treatment.
Indian police confirmed that three of the detainees were produced in court after receiving medical attention, while two remain hospitalized. No arrests have been made in connection with the mob attack.
Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) officials stated they are in contact with India’s Border Security Force (BSF) regarding the incident. The victim’s family has also contacted BGB to facilitate the repatriation of his body.
Local police in Sherpur confirmed that the deceased had an outstanding arrest warrant in an abduction case filed earlier in Bangladesh.
