Three Border Security Force (BSF) personnel were injured in a clash with villagers in India's northeastern state of Tripura, while nine people, including three women, have been arrested in connection with the incident.

The violence broke out on Monday in Ashabari village in Sepahijala district, near the India-Bangladesh border, following allegations that BSF personnel had beaten a local man suspected of involvement in smuggling.

According to villagers, the man sustained serious injuries, including a fracture in his leg, during the alleged assault. Protesting the incident, residents blocked a road, triggering tensions in the border village.

The situation escalated when a group of BSF personnel, including an assistant commandant-level officer, arrived at the scene in a vehicle. An agitated crowd armed with sticks and bamboo reportedly attacked the personnel, leaving at least three of them injured. The BSF vehicle was also vandalized, while some villagers allegedly attempted to snatch firearms from the security personnel.

According to The New Indian Express, police subsequently launched an operation in the area and arrested nine people, including three women. The accused were produced before a court, with police seeking their remand for further interrogation. Investigators have also identified at least 10 more people suspected of involvement in the attack and are searching for them.

BSF Tripura Frontier Inspector General Princy Rani, accompanied by senior police officials, visited the village to assess the situation. Local authorities said the situation had since been brought under control.

The incident has also triggered political reactions in the state. Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha condemned the attack on security personnel in a social media post, describing such violence as unacceptable. He said he had directed the police administration to take strict legal action against those involved.

However, opposition leader and CPI(M) leader Jitendra Chaudhury also criticized the attack while alleging that people involved in illegal smuggling along the border were receiving protection and patronage from members of the ruling party.

Police said they were investigating the incident, considering complaints from both sides.

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