Agartala, April 10, 2025 – A large part of the 4,096 km long India-Bangladesh border passes through Tripura, and the 857 km long international border here has always been sensitive. Recently, a suspicious drone was found in a paddy field in Ballamukha village in Bilonia subdivision of South Tripura district, creating a stir in the area. The place is just 300 meters inside the Indian territory from the barbed wire fence on the border. The incident not only raised concern among the local people, but also brought the BSF and Tripura Police into action.

Drone in the field: How did the matter start?

The vigilance of the local residents played an important role in bringing the incident to light. A farmer from Ballamukha, while working in his field in the morning, saw a strange object, which later turned out to be a drone equipped with a camera. He immediately informed the police. Mohammad Hussain, a resident of the village, said, “For the last few days we had seen a drone hovering in the sky. We thought maybe some survey was going on, but today when it was found lying in the field, we got scared.” As soon as the news was received, police and BSF teams reached the spot and took the drone into custody.
Initial investigations suspect that this drone may have come from Bangladesh. A BSF officer, on condition of anonymity, said, “It is equipped with a camera, which points to espionage or any suspicious activity. We are investigating every angle to find out its origin and motive.”
Increasing challenges on the border
97 percent of the India-Bangladesh border is protected by barbed wire, yet incidents like infiltration and smuggling have been coming to the fore from time to time. After the instability in Bangladesh in recent months, the central government has given instructions to tighten surveillance on the border. BSF has increased patrolling in Tripura, and Tripura State Rifles have also been deployed in sensitive areas. A senior police officer said, “The drone will be forensically examined. It is important to know how and why it reached here.” Earlier also, reports of infiltration in the border villages of Tripura have been in the headlines. Recently several suspects were caught in Agartala, after which security was increased at railway stations and airports. Now this drone incident is raising new questions. Was it an attempt to spy, or was there some other motive behind it?

Uneasiness among local people

People living in border villages like Ballamukha are already worried about the fears of infiltration and smuggling. After finding the drone, their anxiety has increased further. A woman farmer Rukhsana Bibi said, “We work in the fields, but now every unknown thing has started to be suspected. The government should do something, so that we get peace.” The elders of the village say that in recent times there has been an increase in movement from across the border, and this drone can be proof of that.

Action plan of BSF and police

After this incident, the BSF has tightened the vigil on the border. The number of patrolling teams has been increased, and the possibility of drone surveillance in sensitive areas is also being considered. Tripura police is investigating the technical aspects of the drone, to find out its make and flight path. A police spokesperson said, “We are trying to understand how this drone entered here. This is a big challenge for security.” Bangladesh connection and big question The possibility of drones being sent from Bangladesh has made the matter more serious. Experts believe that if it is proved true, it will be a new challenge for border security. Security analyst Pradeep Majumdar says, “Drones can be used for espionage, smuggling or even terrorist activities. We have to be prepared at both technical and tactical levels.” What next? This incident is testing Tripura’s border security system. Only an investigation by the BSF and the police will make it clear what was the purpose of the drone and where it came from. Till then both the local people and the administration are alert. Was it just a coincidence, or is there a big conspiracy behind it? Everyone is waiting for the answer, but one thing is certain – now every step on the border of Tripura will be taken with caution.