Tripura man returns home after spending 16 months in Bangladesh jail

An Indian citizen from Tripura's Amtali area returned home on Monday after spending nearly 16 months in a Bangladeshi prison for illegally entering the neighbouring country without valid travel documents.

The person- Pradip Chandra Pal was formally handed over to Indian authorities through the Paharmura border gate in Khowai district at around 11:30 am in the presence of officials from both India and Bangladesh, including border security personnel and administrative representatives.

The repatriation from Bangladesh took place ahead of Union Home Minister Amit Shah's visit to Tripura. He is scheduled to visit the state and review border management on June 5. 

According to official sources, Pal was detained by Bangladeshi law enforcement agencies about one year and four months ago for allegedly entering Bangladesh without valid documents. Following legal proceedings, he was lodged in Habiganj District Jail, where he served his sentence.

After completion of his jail term, the necessary legal and diplomatic formalities between the two countries were undertaken, paving the way for his repatriation to India.

The handover process was attended on the Indian side by Officer-in-Charge of Khowai Police Station Krishna Dhan Sarkar, Company Commander of the 104-Bn of the Border Security Force (BSF) Ashok Kumar, BSF officer Stanley, and the officer-in-charge of Subaltila Outpost under Sidhai Police Station.

Representing Bangladesh were Mohammad Daud Hossain, in-charge of the 55 BGB Camp at Balla, Mohammad Shamsuzzaman, an official from Habiganj District Jail, and a representative from Chunarughat Police Station.

Pal's family expressed relief and happiness upon his return after the long wait.

Officials said both India and Bangladesh continue to maintain strict surveillance along the border to prevent illegal cross-border movement. At the same time, the two countries have been extending humanitarian and diplomatic cooperation to facilitate the return of detained citizens after the completion of legal procedures.