BSF's discovery of 100-metre-long tunnel near Indo-Bangladesh border triggers security alarm

In what could raise a security alarm, a tunnel has been found near the Indo-Bangladesh border in North Dinajpur district of West Bengal.

The tunnel, which is about 100 metres long, was discovered by the Border Security Force (BSF) under the Fatehpur border outpost (BOP), at a distance of 200 metres in a tea estate in Arugach village of the district.

A high alert has been sounded along the Indo-Bangladesh border.

According to Assistant Commander of BSF Pramod, the 100-metre-long tunnel could have been dug up by terrorists or smugglers.

The purpose behind digging up this tunnel could be smuggling of contraband articles or other banned substances.

NORTH DINAJPUR DM FORWARDS COMPLAINT

District Magistrate of North Dinajpur Ayesha Rani has forwarded the complaint to the higher authorities as this is a matter of high security.

"We have just received information that in our block of Fatepur village, a tunnel has been found from the Bangladesh side at the Fatepur BOP which is some 60 metres long. A thorough investigation into the case is required. We have informed the higher authorities and the concerned department about this issue", Rani said.

Superintendent of Police Amit Kumar Bharat Rathore has also assured that a thorough investigation will be carried out.

He said, "I received a complaint from the BSF that a 100-metre-long tunnel had been discovered in the international border area. The dimensions of the tunnel could be 18 by 12 inches. The area falls under the BSF. They have lodged a complaint and I will start investigating the matter. The area is Araugach in Puratan Atwari."

The National Investigation Agency has started probing the matter to find out who are behind these activities.

(WITH INPUTS FROM BHABANANDA SINGHA IN DINAJPUR)

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