BSF person fired at innocent farmer, 'thought' he was smuggler, no complaint registered

By Kirity Roy*

A heartbreaking incident has come to light involving the Border Security Force (BSF) personnel stationed at the Gitaldah Border Outpost (BOP) of D Company, 90 BSF Battalion. On June 15, 2024, the life of 29-year-old Mustafa Ali was for ever changed when he was shot by a BSF officer.

In the early hours of June 15, 2024, around 4 am, Mustafa, an innocent farmer, was struck in his left leg by bullets fired by the BSF personnel while he was returning to his home from his maternal uncle’s house.

At Dak Bunglow crossing towards the Ghosh Para road, he received the bullet (pellets) injury at his left foot. Despite the extreme pain and fear, he managed to run for his life and sought refuge at his maternal uncle's home. For three agonizing days, he was treated by a local quack, but his condition showed no improvement.

On June 19, 2024, Dr Indrajit Das examined Mustafa and revealed the horrifying truth that six bullets were there in his left leg, smashing the bone. The suffering that Mustafa endured is beyond words. He was then moved to Patna, Bihar. There he was examined and admitted to the Anup Institute of Orthopedics & Rehabilitation on June 24, 2024, where orthopedic surgeon Dr RN Singh performed a critical operation.

After enduring a month of painful rehabilitation, Mustafa was able to walk again, but only with the help of a stick. The total cost of his treatment amounted to nearly Rs 2,00,000 -- a staggering amount for a poor farmer.

Mustafa is aged about 29, and resides in village Kharija Haridas under Block Dinhata 1, district Cooch Behar, with his wife and 3-year-old daughter. A humble farmer, he earned no more than Rs 4,000 a month till this tragic incident occurred.

When our fact-finding team of the Banglar Manabadhikar Suraksha Mancha

(MASUM) contacted the BSF personnel at the Gitaldaha BOP, they claimed they fired at him believing he was a smuggler. But in reality, he was just a passerby.

It was also learned that the spot, where Mustafa received pellets, is about 2.5 kilometres inside the Indian territory from the international border.

On July 19, 2024, Mustafa’s wife, Pinki Khatoon, lodged a complaint to the Superintendent of Police in Cooch Behar, sending it through a registered post. She pleaded for action against the BSF officer responsible for this senseless act of violence and prayed for compensation. Yet, no case has been registered to date.

This tragic incident underscores the urgent need for accountability and compassion in the actions of security forces. Innocent lives like Mustafa’s should not be shattered by such acts of violence. He was an innocent civilian struggling to make a living.

After going through the incident, lots of questions arise:

Are BSF allowed to fire 2.5 kilometers inside the territory?
Why on duty BSF did not apprehend the person when his movement was suspicious?
Why after firing the on-duty BSF constable did not arrest the suspicious man?
Why was the incident of firing and injuring one civilian not reported to the police?
Are powers vested to BSF personnel above the Constitution of India?
Why didn't the police start a case against BSF after receiving a written complaint?
The officials concerned should enquire into the incident and take legal steps so that the victim and his family get justice and reparation.
The victim's family should be provided safety and security.

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*Secretary, Banglar Manabadhikar Suraksha Mancha (MASUM). This article is based on the author's representation to the Principal Secretary, Home & Hill Affairs, Government of West Bengal

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