Bangladesh says the killing of three of its citizens in Tripura’s Khowai district is a gross violation of human rights and rule of law
AGARTALA – Tension has gripped the Indo-Bangladesh border area following the alleged brutal killing of three Bangladeshi nationals by an Indian mob in Tripura’s Khowai district. The attack, which occurred in Vidyabill village on 15 October, has prompted a sharp diplomatic response from Dhaka, which demanded a “fair and transparent investigation” from New Delhi.
The victims — reportedly accused by locals of attempting to steal cattle — were lynched by villagers in an incident that has once again drawn attention to the persistent issue of mob violence.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Friday, Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the killing as “unacceptable and inhumane.”
“Our citizens were brutally beaten and killed, which is a gross violation of human rights and the rule of law,” the statement said. “The Government of Bangladesh expresses grave concern and urges India to ensure an immediate, impartial, and transparent investigation. Concrete steps must be taken to prevent such incidents in future.”
The ministry further stressed that every individual deserves full protection of their human rights, regardless of nationality. “Even if someone crosses the border unintentionally, no one deserves such barbaric treatment,” the statement read.
According to police reports, the incident began early on Tuesday morning when three Bangladeshi men allegedly crossed the border and entered Vidyabill village, located near the Indo-Bangladesh boundary in Khowai district.
Local villagers claimed that the men were attempting to steal livestock. When the villagers tried to stop them, the accused allegedly attacked two locals — Mithu Telanga and Dhirendra Telanga — with sharp weapons. Mithu later succumbed to his injuries at the Agartala Government Medical College (AGMC).
Following Mithu’s death, enraged villagers caught the three Bangladeshi men and beat them to death on the spot. The bodies were later recovered by the police and sent for post-mortem examination.
The Tripura Police confirmed the incident but refrained from using the term “mob lynching.” A senior police officer from Khowai said, “We have registered a case of murder and are investigating both incidents — the attack on villagers and the subsequent deaths of the Bangladeshi nationals.”
He added, “The situation is tense but under control. Additional forces have been deployed in the area.”
Local sources in the border area described the atmosphere as “tense and fearful.” Many villagers are said to be afraid of retaliation from across the border or legal action from authorities.
Meanwhile, in Bangladesh, the incident has caused widespread outrage, especially on social media, where users have shared photos and expressed anger over what they described as “an inhuman act under the watch of Indian authorities.”
Human rights activists in Bangladesh have urged the Indian government to take strict action. “Mob killings have become a regular feature in India, and minorities, especially Muslims and border migrants, are the frequent targets,” said Shahriar Alam, a Dhaka-based rights campaigner. “India must stop such violence and bring the killers to justice.”
Tripura shares a long and porous border with Bangladesh, making it a hotspot for smuggling and accidental crossings. Over the years, several people — often poor villagers — have been killed either by border security forces or local mobs.
In 2021, human rights group Odhikar documented several similar incidents in which Bangladeshi nationals were beaten or shot dead near the Indian border. The latest episode, activists say, reflects a continuing pattern of lawlessness and communal prejudice.
This is not the first time Dhaka has raised concerns over its citizens being killed near the border. The Bangladeshi government has repeatedly urged India to restrain its security forces and prevent vigilante justice in such cases.
Diplomatic sources said Dhaka is expected to send a formal note to New Delhi soon, asking for a detailed investigation report. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has yet to issue an official statement.
A senior Bangladeshi official in Dhaka, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “We respect India’s internal legal process, but such killings damage the trust between our two nations. Friendship cannot be built on silence when innocent lives are lost.”
In India, political leaders have so far remained largely silent. Neither the state government of Tripura nor the central government has commented publicly on Bangladesh’s statement.
However, local human rights organisations have condemned the killings. Tripura Citizens’ Forum issued a statement saying, “No one has the right to take law into their own hands. The lynching of three foreign nationals, regardless of their alleged crime, is unacceptable in a civilised society.”
Residents of Vidyabill village gave conflicting versions of the event. Some claimed the men were indeed trying to steal cattle, while others said the situation got out of control due to panic and rumours.
“We caught them running through the village before dawn,” said one villager, who refused to be named. “People started shouting, and within minutes, a crowd gathered. They were beaten badly before the police arrived.”
On the other hand, Abdul Karim, a resident from the Bangladeshi side near Comilla border, said the victims were poor farmers. “They were not thieves. They might have lost their way,” he said. “They were killed just because they were Bangladeshi Muslims.”
The killings have revived debate about India’s growing problem of mob vigilantism, especially against minorities and foreigners. Civil rights groups have urged both countries to work together to stop cross-border violence.
“India must show that its justice system treats all human beings equally,” said Advocate Nazma Rehman, a Supreme Court lawyer in Dhaka. “Otherwise, these repeated killings will continue to haunt our region and damage the image of both countries.”
As of Saturday, Tripura Police have deployed extra forces in the border region and launched a joint investigation with intelligence units. Officials say peace has been restored, though fear and mistrust continue to loom large among locals on both sides.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh has said it will monitor the progress of the investigation closely. “We expect accountability,” the Foreign Ministry said in its closing remarks. “Those responsible must face justice. Only then can faith in the rule of law be restored.”
