Two BSF personnel held over rape charges along India-Bangla border

The accused, identified as ASI SP Chero and Constable Altaf Hossain of the 68 Battalion, were posted at the Jitpur outpost

MP | 28 Aug | Kolkata: Two Border Security Force (BSF) personnel, including an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI), were arrested on Friday night for allegedly raping a 23-year-old woman
near the Indo-Bangladesh border at Bagda in North 24-Parganas. 

They were remanded to police custody for seven days by the Bangaon Sub-Divisional Court on Saturday. 

The accused, identified as ASI SP Chero and Constable Altaf Hossain of the 68 Battalion, were posted at the Jitpur outpost. Reportedly, the BSF lodged a separate complaint with the Bagda Police Station against the accused persons. They have been reportedly suspended and a departmental inquiry against them has started. 

The All India Trinamool Congress has strongly condemned the incident and questioned the safety of women in the country under the rule of the BJP. 

TMC tweeted: "The Defense and Paramilitary forces who have been protecting us are now committing HORRENDOUS crimes - raping a woman is completely UNACCEPTABLE! We demand thorough investigation and punishment for such wrong-doings." 

TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh said: "The Central government forcibly interfered with the rights of the states and increased the area of BSF from 15 km to 50 km. This area has been expanded for political and dishonest purposes." 

Calling for an apology from the Union Home ministry, Ghosh added: "Who is responsible if cattle are smuggled despite the presence of BSF at the international border? BSF is under the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.

 Union Home Minister is Amit Shah, then Amit Shah should apologise as the Union Home Minister of India. Because BSF is a force under your ministry." MP Kakoli Ghosh Dostidar tweeted: "A homemaker was sexually assaulted by 2 BSF men & was threatened to not raise her voice. THIS is the HORRIFIC reality of BJP's enhanced jurisdiction! PM @narendramodi, who will take accountability for Rakshaks becoming Bhakshaks?" 

The incident took place at around 10:30 pm on Thursday at the Jitpur border under Bagda Police Station in North 24-Parganas. 

It has been reported that the survivor was trying to illegally enter Bangladesh from India when the BSF personnel apprehended her. The survivor was reportedly dragged to a nearby field where she was allegedly raped by the personnel. The incident came to light when the survivor filed a complaint with the police on Friday afternoon and the accused persons were arrested by night. 

The survivor in her complaint reportedly mentioned being raped by the two personnel in front of her daughter. It has been reported that the woman was admitted to a hospital in critical condition with severe mental breakdown. 

A new media publication reported that BSF in a statement said: "We got information that two people might be involved in rape. We immediately suspended them and handed them over to the police. The BSF is a disciplined force and will do everything to protect women." 

http://www.millenniumpost.in/kolkata/two-bsf-personnel-held-over-rape-charges-along-india-bangla-border-491075