Villagers in West Bengal’s border area sprang into action Friday night, catching two Bangladeshi men who sneaked across the border to join the vibrant Durga Puja celebrations. The quick-thinking residents of Parmekhliganj village in Cooch Behar district’s Haldibari block spotted the suspects and handed them over to police on Saturday.
It all started when locals noticed a suspicious biker zipping through the darkness near the open Teesta river border. The rider carried two strangers heading toward Dewanganj. When villagers called out for them to stop, the group sped off instead. A chase ensued, and in the chaos, the biker ditched his passengers and escaped. The villagers grabbed the two men right there.
Listening to their chatter, the locals realized these were Bangladeshi nationals from Domar village in Nilphamari district. Police from Haldibari station arrived soon after and arrested the pair: 27-year-old Dashrath Roy and 50-year-old Kalidas Roy. Officers found Indian currency notes and a mobile phone on them. The men got a medical check at Haldibari Rural Hospital, and a court in Mekhliganj Subdistrict ordered four days of police custody.
The suspects told authorities they crossed illegally just to experience Durga Puja, one of India’s biggest Hindu festivals. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges at India’s porous borders with Bangladesh, where illegal entries aren’t uncommon during festive seasons.
The arrests also sparked comments on the tough situation for Hindus in Bangladesh. Panchali Dev Sikder Nag, a lawyer and North Bengal coordinator for Hindu Jagran Manch, pointed out the religious tensions there. “Hindus in Bangladesh face real hardships and often can’t celebrate Durga Puja freely,” she said. “But India stands as a safe haven. These men came out of passion, even if illegally. With the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), the Indian government has eased citizenship rules for persecuted minorities. If you’re suffering, leave that citizenship behind and apply properly here in India.”
As Durga Puja festivities continue across West Bengal, this border catch serves as a reminder of security efforts amid the joy of the season.
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
