Agartala, March 31, 2026: In a crackdown on illegal cross-border infiltration, four Bangladeshi nationals were apprehended in Khowai after entering India through the Asharambari border area with the alleged assistance of a broker network.

The arrests were made on Tuesday during a joint operation conducted by personnel of Khowai Police Station along with a civil team. The individuals were intercepted under suspicious circumstances while travelling towards Kamalpur.

According to police sources, the four individuals had crossed over from Bangladesh by paying a substantial amount to a broker gang facilitating illegal entry. After crossing the border through Asharambari, they reportedly paid around 4,000 taka each to an Indian intermediary to reach Maharajganj market in Khowai.

The situation took an unexpected turn when they hired another auto-rickshaw for Kamalpur. During the journey, the driver grew suspicious after overhearing their conversation and realizing they were Bangladeshi nationals. A dispute erupted when the driver demanded additional fare, which the passengers failed to pay, claiming they had no money left.

Following the altercation, the auto driver alerted the police, leading to swift action. Officers reached the spot and detained all four individuals before taking them into custody.

The arrested have been identified as Abdul Mia (45), Shamal Mia (55), Helal Mia (40), and Abdul Bazid Sohag (24), all residents of Moulvibazar district in Bangladesh.

Police have registered a case against them under relevant sections of law, and further legal proceedings are underway. Authorities have also intensified investigations to trace and dismantle the broker network suspected to be operating along the border.