By TC News Desk
Agartala, 3rd September 2024:The body of 16-year-old Swarna Das from Bangladesh was formally handed over to Bangladeshi authorities by the Border Security Force (BSF) of India at the Manu Land Customs Station in Kailashahar, located along the India-Bangladesh international border. The transfer took place following a flag meeting between the BSF and the Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB) on Monday.
The tragic incident has sparked deep concern on both sides of the border. The flag meeting, held after the completion of the post-mortem examination, was attended by officials from both nations. During the meeting, Swarna Das’s father, Farendra Kumar Das, a resident of Juri police station in Moulvibazar district, Bangladesh, was shown his daughter’s body. Confirming the identity of his 16-year-old daughter, he expressed his grief and despair. “This is my daughter, Swarna,” he said, tears streaming down his face.
After the official procedures were completed, the BSF handed over Swarna Das’s body to the BGB in a solemn moment. The local Irani police confirmed the nationality of the deceased, stating, “Swarna Das was a Bangladeshi citizen. Her father, Farendra Kumar Das, was present during the handover of the body to Bangladeshi authorities.”
The circumstances leading to the young girl’s death remain under investigation. According to initial reports, on September 1st, Swarna and her parents approached the border, allegedly attempting to cross into India. It was during this time that gunfire erupted. “The forensic report will provide clarity on whether the shooting was carried out by the BSF or the BGB,” stated a senior official involved in the investigation.
The incident has raised tensions along the border, with both sides awaiting the forensic findings to determine the exact cause of death and the source of the fatal shot. As the investigation continues, the tragedy of a young life lost in the volatile border region is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those living along international boundaries.
