Jalpaiguri Tea Farmer Abducted By Bangladeshi Miscreants
A 35-year-old tea farmer named Dipankar Gop was allegedly abducted by a group of Bangladeshi miscreants near the India-Bangladesh border in the Rajganj block of Jalpaiguri district on Saturday. The incident took place in the Kukurjan area while the farmer was working in his tea garden. Family members of the victim allege that this kidnapping is a retaliatory act following the recent foiling of a border infiltration attempt. According to reports, the farmer is currently believed to be in the custody of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB).
Background of the Border Incident
According to an India Today report, a Bangladeshi national attempted to enter India by cutting through the border fence on August 6. Local villagers and Border Security Force (BSF) personnel apprehended the individual and handed him over to the police, with locals suspecting his involvement in cross-border smuggling networks. On Saturday morning, while Dipankar Gop was spraying pesticides in his six-bigha tea garden near the border, about 20 miscreants crossed the international boundary and forcibly took him to the Panchagarh district of Bangladesh.
BSF Efforts and Current Status
Following the abduction, BSF personnel arrived at the scene and initiated efforts to secure the farmer's release. Officials conducted a flag meeting with the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) to resolve the matter. Despite these diplomatic efforts, the farmer remained in custody as of Saturday night. A video has also circulated on social media in which the victim claims he will be released only if the Bangladeshi national arrested earlier by Indian authorities is set free, though this video has not been independently verified.
Family Appeal and Ongoing Investigation
The victim's father has appealed for the safe return of his son, reiterating the claim that the abduction is an act of revenge for the recent arrest at the border. The BSF continues to maintain contact with Bangladeshi authorities to ensure the safe release of the farmer. Additionally, officials are investigating the potential involvement of organized cross-border smuggling groups in this incident.