Agartala, April 29, 2025: Acting on a tip-off, the Jatrapur police station carried out a late-night raid on Monday in Baidyanath village under the Dhanpur panchayat of Sepahijala district leading to the arrest of three Bangladeshi nationals. Police recovered two plastic drums filled with dried marijuana from a house during the operation.

One of the arrested individuals was identified as Mainul Islam, along with Taijul Islam and Zahirullah—all hailing from the Barisal district of Bangladesh. Locals reported that the trio had been living for an extended period in the residence of Zakir Hossain in Baidyanath village. However, Zakir Hossain managed to evade capture during the raid, allegedly sensing the arrival of law enforcement officials.

“We received critical information late at night and swiftly acted upon it. With TSR personnel and other officers, we apprehended the suspects red-handed while they were consuming marijuana,” said Subrata Debnath, officer-in-charge (OC) of the Jatrapur police station.

During their interrogation, the arrested men confessed to crossing into India from Bangladesh a few days ago. They admitted to taking shelter in Zakir Hossain’s house and collecting dried cannabis locally, OC Debnath added.

Reflecting on the broader implications, OC Subrata Debnath commented, “Considering the current national and international circumstances, the involvement of Bangladeshi citizens in activities like this across borders is concerning. Joint patrolling with the BSF has been further intensified, and strict surveillance is being maintained within the police station’s jurisdiction.”

Authorities emphasized the ongoing collaboration between the police and the Border Security Force (BSF) to curb such illegal activities along the border.