At least 80 Indian nationals have reportedly been pushed into Bangladesh through multiple border points in Khagrachhari, according to local authorities. Most of those who crossed are said to be Muslim residents of Gujarat.

Local sources say Indian Border Security Force (BSF) personnel brought the individuals to the border in small groups early on Wednesday (7 May), allegedly posing them as Bangladeshi nationals before releasing them across the barbed wire fence into Bangladeshi territory.

The pushbacks occurred across several points in Matiranga and Panchhari upazilas. Journalists have not yet been able to speak directly with the individuals, but local residents and shelters have provided accounts.

According to those accounts, the group was flown from Gujarat to Agartala airport and then transported by road to the border. A total of 27 people have taken shelter at the house of a former union council member in South Shantipur, Matiranga.

“I saw them while heading to the mosque for Fajr prayers — men, women, and children, all visibly panicked and hungry,” said local shopkeeper Md Abul Hashem. “They spoke in Gujarati and Bengali. We arranged food and informed the BGB.”

He added that, according to those pushed in, over 100 others remain across the border and may also be released into Bangladesh.

Local administration officials, including the Upazila Executive Officer of Matiranga and senior Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) officers, later met the group. For now, they are being sheltered in local homes on humanitarian grounds.

According to the district administration, 27 individuals entered through the South Shantipur border in Matiranga, 23 through the Achalong border in Taindong, and 30 through the Rupsen Para border in Panchhari. Most are women and children.

Deputy Director of Local Government Nazmun Ara Sultana, acting on behalf of the Khagrachhari District Commissioner, confirmed that 80 people had entered by 8:00 pm. While the BGB is expected to take the lead on security measures, the district administration is currently providing food assistance to the group.

SMS/