Khagrachhari, May 08 (V7N) - The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has apprehended 66 Indian nationals for illegally entering the Khagrachari Hill District through the Bangladesh border.  

The arrests were made in various locations within Matiranga and Panchhari in the early hours of Wednesday (May 7).  

According to sources within the district administration, 15 individuals entered through the Taindong border in Matiranga, 27 through the Shantipur border in Gomti Union, and 24 through the Rupsen Para border in Logang Union in Panchhari.

Among those detained, the 27 who crossed through the Shantipur border were found residing at the home of Abul Master in Hajipara. Acting on information provided by local residents, a BGB patrol team took them into custody.

These 27 individuals claim to be residents of Gujarat, India, and surprisingly, are Bengali speakers. They allege that they were transported to the border from Gujarat by plane and then pushed into Bangladesh by members of the Indian Border Security Force (BSF).

Detailed information regarding the remaining detainees is currently unavailable.

Khagrachhari Acting Deputy Commissioner Nazmun Ara Sultana confirmed the illegal entry of 66 Indian citizens. She stated that the BGB is currently investigating the matter and that all the detainees are in their custody. The local administration and police are maintaining constant communication with the BGB, and efforts are underway to facilitate their swift repatriation.

END/BTK/RH/