Motihari: In a violent clash along the Indo-Nepal border in East Champaran district, a group of smugglers attacked personnel of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) late Thursday night while they were attempting to stop a large-scale fertilizer smuggling operation. The incident occurred near Agarwa outpost in the jurisdiction of Jitna police station.
Four jawans of the 71st Battalion of the SSB sustained injuries during the confrontation and were discharged after receiving treatment at the Primary Health Centre in Bankatwa. The SSB had to resort to aerial firing in self-defence after the mob, reportedly comprising 200–250 people, turned violent.
Mob Assaults SSB Patrol Team
According to SSB officials, the jawans on night patrol noticed a large group of people—men, women, and even children—transporting fertilizer bags on bicycles toward the Nepal border. When the security personnel intervened, the group began pelting stones and attacking with sticks. The attackers even attempted to snatch the weapons of the jawans, forcing the troops to fire warning shots in the air to disperse the crowd.
Despite the intervention, the smugglers used the darkness to their advantage and managed to transport a significant quantity of subsidized fertilizer across the border into Nepal.
16 Bags of Fertilizer Recovered
In the aftermath of the attack, SSB jawans recovered 16 bags of fertilizer abandoned at the scene. An FIR has been registered against unidentified smugglers at Jitna police station.
A senior SSB official confirmed, “Our personnel acted with restraint under extremely hostile conditions. Thankfully, no weapons were taken, and the injured jawans are stable. A joint operation is underway to identify the culprits.”
SSB, Police Launch Joint Crackdown
Following the incident, officials from the SSB headquarters conducted an on-ground inspection of the area and reviewed security arrangements at the border. A joint operation by the SSB and local police is now in progress to trace and arrest those involved in the attack.
Rising Fertilizer Smuggling a Concern
Incidents of fertilizer smuggling along the India-Nepal border have been on the rise. Subsidized fertilizers meant for Indian farmers are being illegally transported to Nepal, leading to losses for the Indian exchequer and contributing to fertilizer shortages in border districts.
Authorities say smugglers are exploiting porous border areas and often mobilize large groups, including women and minors, to avoid suspicion and counter enforcement action.
