Bangaon Mayor Criticizes BSF for Infiltration Concerns; BJP Dismisses Allegations

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, January 11, 2025, Bangaon: Tensions along the India-Bangladesh border have escalated in recent months, with concerns over infiltration and criminal activities increasing in the border town of Bangaon in North 24 Parganas, West Bengal. The situation has prompted a strong response from local officials, including Bangaon Municipality Mayor Gopal Seth, who has expressed dissatisfaction with the Border Security Force's (BSF) role in securing the area.

In a letter to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Seth accused the BSF of being inactive in curbing cross-border infiltration. He claimed that criminal activities in the region have surged as Bangladeshi miscreants take advantage of the BSF’s perceived inaction. Seth also highlighted significant gaps in border security, such as the lack of adequate CCTV surveillance, insufficient barbed wire in a stretch of about 20 kilometers, and a shortage of troops, with only four battalions guarding the border.

Seth further raised concerns over the presence of Bangladeshi nationals with multi-purpose visas staying in various hotels in Bangaon and traveling to other states, urging greater vigilance and stricter monitoring. He also pointed out that some BSF jawans were reportedly residing in rented houses in the area, questioning why they were not staying in their official accommodations.

The mayor emphasized the need for coordinated efforts between state and central authorities to ensure the security of the region, calling for heightened vigilance by the police and the BSF. Seth’s letter, which outlined these concerns, was addressed to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, the State Chief Secretary, the BSF South Bengal Frontier IG, the North 24 Parganas District Magistrate, and the Bangaon Police Superintendent.

In response to these allegations, Bangaon Organizational District BJP President Devdas Mandal strongly refuted the claims, calling them "baseless." Mandal expressed confidence in the BSF’s capabilities, stating that the force’s dedicated service allows the people of the region to sleep peacefully, without fear of infiltration or security threats.

As the debate intensifies over border security and infiltration concerns, local authorities, residents, and political leaders remain divided on the effectiveness of the current measures in place.