BSF probe blames BGB troops

An investigation by the Border Security Force (BSF) into the killing of its head constable Vijay Bhan Singh in firing by the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) in Murshidabad has revealed that the shooting was “unprovoked and unwarranted” and was carried out after the flag meeting between the two forces over Indian fisherman Pranab Mondal’s detention.

The probe, conducted by BSF South Bengal Frontier, has identified the accused as BGB havildar Sayed who opened fire on the BSF boat, and gave a detailed account of how the attack took place.

On October 17, three Indian fishermen were apprehended by BGB patrol. Of these, one, Pranob Mondal, was pulled inside the BGB’s trawler while the other two were let off, but told to go to BSF post in Kakmarichar and convey the message that the post commander of Charghat has asked for a flag meeting to release the Indian fisherman.

According to the report, the BSF’s commander proceeded for the flag meeting while taking adequate precaution, which included putting an orange flag of the appropriate dimension on the speed boat to indicate a friendly move.

When the BSF team drew close to the pre-designated point, they were guided by the BGB personnel on the ground to a point where the depth of water was sufficient for mooring the boat.

Later, the BSF party commander asked havildar Sayed, the BGB party commander, to release Mondal. But he refused. The BSF probe says that the BGB commander was constantly talking on his mobile phone, perhaps for instructions from his senior officers.

“When the BSF team was told by their counterparts that Mondal would be handed over only through a flag meeting attended by senior commanders, the BSF party decided to return to their post,” sources told this newspaper.

“While BSF team was returning, the BGB trawler tried to encircle the BSF boat and block its movement. Simultaneously, Sayed fired on the BSF boat, causing injury to Vijay on his head.”