Shillong | Tension has reportedly escalated along the Indo-Bangladesh border in Meghalaya’s South West Garo Hills district after Bangladeshi authorities and local residents allegedly refused to accept a man pushed back across the border by the Border Security Force (BSF).

The incident occurred in the Nandir Char sector near Mahendraganj, where BSF personnel detained a man on suspicion of having entered Indian territory illegally from Bangladesh.

According to sources, the man was subsequently sent back across the international border as part of a pushback operation. However, after crossing into Bangladeshi territory, he was reportedly denied acceptance by the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) as well as local residents, leaving him stranded in the area beyond the border fencing.

The development has reportedly created a tense situation in the border sector, prompting security forces on both sides to closely monitor the area.

Sources familiar with the matter claimed that the individual had acknowledged being a Bangladeshi national. Despite this, Bangladeshi authorities and residents allegedly declined to take custody of him, leading to uncertainty over his status and further complicating the situation.

Several videos purportedly related to the incident have surfaced on social media, showing increased activity and gatherings near the border. However, the authenticity of the videos and the claims associated with them could not be independently verified.

Officials from both countries remained silent on the matter. No formal statement had been issued by either the BSF or the BGB at the time of filing this report.

The incident comes against the backdrop of ongoing efforts by Indian and Bangladeshi authorities to curb illegal cross-border movement and improve mechanisms for the identification and repatriation of individuals crossing the international border without authorisation.

Further details are awaited as authorities continue to monitor the situation.