A video circulating on social media claims to show tribal residents in Tripura, India, defending their land against alleged Bangladeshi intruders using bows and arrows. However, this video is not from Tripura and does not depict events related to cross-border infiltration.(India Today)
Fact-Check: Video Origin and Context
India Today’s Fact Check team investigated the video and found that it originates from Papua province in Indonesia, not Tripura. The footage was recorded in December 2024 during a political clash between supporters of rival candidates in the Intan Jaya Regency. The incident occurred in the Sugapa district, where traditional weapons like bows and arrows were used in a local election-related dispute .(India Today, India Today, TheQuint)
Current Situation in Tripura
While the viral video is unrelated to Tripura, the state has been experiencing heightened tensions regarding illegal immigration. On May 22, 2025, Tripura Police and the Border Security Force (BSF) detained 16 Bangladeshi nationals across three locations for illegally crossing the international border. These individuals were presented in court, and authorities are continuing their investigations .(The Times of India)
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha has emphasized the state’s commitment to preventing the entry of illegal immigrants from Bangladesh and Myanmar, stating that such individuals will not be allowed to settle in Tripura under any circumstances .(@EconomicTimes)
Conclusion
The video circulating online does not depict events in Tripura and is unrelated to the state’s current issues with illegal immigration. It is important to verify the authenticity of such videos before sharing them to prevent the spread of misinformation.(The Times of India)
Tripura Police and BSF Detain 16 Bangladeshi Nationals in Coordinated Border Operation
On May 22, 2025, a coordinated operation by the Border Security Force (BSF) and Tripura Police led to the detention of 16 Bangladeshi nationals across three locations in Tripura for illegally crossing the India-Bangladesh border.
Incident Overview
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Mohanpur Sub-Division (West Tripura District): BSF personnel apprehended nine individuals, including two children and two transgender persons, near the Manu Border Outpost. The detainees admitted to being Bangladeshi nationals and were subsequently presented in court. Their identities include Santosh Mallick, Elona Mallick, Dipul Sarkar, and others. The Times of India+1Social News XYZ+1
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Madhupur Area (Sepahijala District): Based on a tip-off, Tripura Police detained five members of the same family from Bangladesh’s Kurigram district. One detainee, Shahjala Khan, reportedly confessed that they were en route to Delhi. The Times of India+1Social News XYZ+1
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Belonia (South Tripura District): Police detained two suspected Bangladeshi nationals, Prantosh Chandra Sutradhar and Subha Das, from a stadium. They were produced before the court, and police remand was sought for further investigation. The Times of India
Additional Developments
In a separate incident, BSF personnel seized contraband items, including foreign cigarettes worth ₹50 lakh, from Srinagar in South Tripura district on May 21, 2025.
BSF Strengthens Border Vigilance in Tripura: 14 Bangladeshis Arrested, Narcotics Worth ₹2.5 Crore Seized
On February 1, 2025, the Border Security Force (BSF) intensified its operations along the India-Bangladesh border in Tripura, leading to significant seizures and arrests.
Key Developments:
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Arrests: The BSF apprehended 14 Bangladeshi nationals and two Indian touts involved in illegal cross-border activities. Deccan Herald+3Republic World+3Hindustan Times+3
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Seizures: A substantial quantity of narcotics, sugar, cattle, and other contraband items, valued at approximately ₹2.5 crore, was seized during these operations. northeasttoday.in+6The Indian Express+6Hindustan Times+6
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Coordinated Patrols: In collaboration with the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), the BSF conducted around 80 coordinated patrols and held over 40 village coordination meetings to enhance border security and address local concerns. Deccan Herald+4India Today NE+4The Indian Express+4
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Anti-Drug Initiatives: The BSF, in joint operations with other agencies, destroyed over 1 lakh mature cannabis plants cultivated illegally on approximately 60 acres of land, as part of efforts to combat drug trafficking. Deccan Herald+3The Indian Express+3Republic World+3
These actions underscore the BSF’s commitment to securing the border and curbing illegal activities in the region.