Two Bangladeshis killed at Sylhet border in ‘Indian Khasi firing’

Police say the victims crossed into Indian territory to steal betel nuts before being shot

Police say two Bangladeshi men have been killed by gunfire allegedly from Indian Khasi people at the Sylhet border in Companiganj Upazila.

The shooting took place on Friday afternoon at the Damdama border area of Uttar Ronikhai Union, Companiganj Police chief Shafiqul Islam said.

The victims have been identified only as Ashiqur, 19, and Moshaid, 22, both from East Turung village.

Locals said the shooting occurred about 600 yards inside Indian territory at Perihat, near sub-pillar No. 2 of main pillar 1260 at the border.

Nazmul Islam, commander of BGB-48 Sylhet, said one of the victims died on the spot after being shot by Indian Khasi people, while the other was brought back by his companions and taken to Companiganj Upazila Health Complex, where doctors declared him dead.

Officer Shafiqul said police learned from local sources that the two youths had crossed into India to steal betel nuts, prompting Indian Khasi garden owners to open fire.

He said both bodies will be sent to Osmani Medical College Hospital for postmortem examinations and that legal procedures are under way.