A Bangladeshi national was reportedly shot and killed by members of the Indian Khasi community while attempting to steal betel nuts across the border near Mokamchhara in Sunamganj's Doarabazar Upazila. The incident occurred in the Nothrai Punji area of Meghalaya's Shillong district, around 7 kilometers inside Indian territory.
The deceased has been identified as Kuti Mia, 50, son of the late Monirullah of Pekpara Mokamchhara village in Banglabazar Union. According to sources, the incident took place on Thursday afternoon in the Nothrai Punji area, under the jurisdiction of the Mawsyram police station in Meghalaya.
Lt. Col. AKM Zakaria Kadir, commander of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) Sunamganj 28 Battalion, confirmed that the matter was reported to the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) on Friday.
Six others from the same village who had accompanied Kuti Mia reportedly returned safely. They are Hanif Mia (30), son of Ayub Ali; Akbar Ali (31), son of the late Erabullah; Jarif Uddin (45); Khokon Mia (35), son of Ajud Mia; Ishaq Mia (50), son of Moyna Mia; and Sona Mia (55), son of the late Chan Mia.
According to BGB and police sources, the seven men crossed the border illegally to steal betel nuts from a plantation deep inside Indian territory. While six managed to return, Kuti Mia did not. Locals claim he was shot by Khasi plantation owners, although the death has yet to be officially confirmed. Several of the individuals involved, including Kuti Mia, have prior records related to cross-border smuggling.
Eyewitnesses among the returnees said the group entered India through the Pekpara border, crossing pillar number 1230/2-S, and made their way to the Nothrai Punji betel nut plantation. When local Khasi residents confronted them, six fled back to Bangladesh, while Kuti Mia was reportedly shot and killed on the spot.
The escapees informed Kuti Mia's family upon their return, prompting relatives to visit the area and identify his body. Law enforcement and BGB officials visited his home later that night.
Kuti Mia's wife, Ratna Begum, stated that her husband had left home Thursday morning, saying he was going to collect grass for their cattle. She said she had not heard from him since. When asked about the alleged shooting, she declined to comment.
Doarabazar Police Station's Officer-in-Charge, Md Zahidul Haque, said, "Seven individuals from the village crossed into India to steal betel nuts. Six returned, and there are reports that Kuti Mia was shot and killed by Khasi locals. However, this has not yet been verified. The family has acknowledged he went to India."
BGB commander Lt. Col. Zakaria Kadir added, "The incident occurred about 7 kilometers inside Indian territory. All seven had gone to steal betel nuts. We informed the BSF, and their 110 Battalion Commander stated that while there had been a conflict between the Khasi people and the Bangladeshis, no one was injured, and all had reportedly returned. We have alerted them that Kuti Mia is missing. BSF is investigating. Legal actions will be taken for the illegal border crossing, and all individuals involved are currently in hiding."
