Allegations of torture and retaliatory charges by BSF personnel in North 24 Parganas

By A Representative 

A serious allegation of human rights violation has emerged from the border village of Tarali under Swarupnagar Police Station in West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district. Human rights organization Banglar Manabadhikar Suraksha Mancha (MASUM) has filed a complaint with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), alleging that personnel from the 143 Battalion of the Border Security Force (BSF) brutally assaulted a Dalit civilian, Mr. Ranjit Ballav, on the night of 15 April 2025.

According to MASUM, Mr. Ballav was returning home when he was allegedly stopped near Sadhaner More and subjected to unprovoked physical assault by BSF jawans. His motorcycle and mobile phone were reportedly destroyed, and a sum of ₹2,630 was allegedly taken from him. When locals tried to intervene, they were purportedly threatened with false charges.

The next day, the BSF reportedly filed a counter FIR (No. 247/25), accusing Mr. Ballav and eight others — including his family members and local representatives — of criminal conduct. MASUM contends that this counter-case is fabricated and meant to protect the accused personnel from accountability following the original complaint (FIR No. 246/25) lodged by Mr. Ballav.

Despite the gravity of the accusations, MASUM states that no BSF personnel have been arrested or summoned in connection with Mr. Ballav’s complaint. In contrast, the civilian accused in the BSF’s counter-FIR were reportedly compelled to secure bail.

In a statement, Kirity Roy, Secretary of MASUM, said: “This is a clear case of abuse of power and an attempt to suppress a Dalit victim’s complaint through intimidation and false prosecution. The impunity with which security personnel operate in border areas must be addressed through independent investigation and judicial oversight.”

MASUM has urged the NHRC to initiate an independent inquiry, prosecute the implicated BSF officials under relevant criminal laws and the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, and ensure protection and compensation for the victim. The organization also insists that the trial be conducted in a civilian court, not a security forces tribunal, citing the alleged extrajudicial nature of the incident.