Rights body demands probe into BSF opening fire on Bangladesh nationals

A West Bengal based rights body has taken up the cudgel for a Bangladeshi youth who was shot at recently by India’s Border Security Force (BSF).

Drawing attention of the National Humman Rights Commission (NHRC), Banglar Manabadhikar Suraksha Mancha (MASUM) has pointed out that the firing was against the BSF’s own decision not to use lethal weapon at India- Bangladesh border.

Personnel of 152 BSF Battalion, posted at Gobindapur border outpost in West Bengal, opened fire on a group of suspected cow smugglers when they infiltrated into India in the wee hours of March 5.

In the firing Arif Hussain Gazi (22), son of Ali Hussain Gazi of Gayra village under Satkhira district of Bangladesh, was injured.

“The firing was unjustified and uncalled-for. Further it was against the BSF’s own decision regarding non use of lethal weapon at India- Bangladesh border,” MASUM Secretary Kirity Roy said in a recent letter to the NHRC.

The rights body also alleged that Arif Hussain was sent to correctional home without providing him adequate treatment.

“The incident was in total contravention of Article 21 of Indian Constitution, which guarantees life and liberty to all even to the foreign nationals inside the Indian Territory,” Roy pointed out in his letter.

The rights body demanded an independent investigation into the incident and that erring BSF personnel and prison officials be booked under appropriate legal provisions.

It also demanded financial compensation for the victim.