National

Minister Details Measures to Combat Smuggling at India-Bangladesh Border

Published

11 months ago

March 12, 2025

Following the Border Security Force (BSF) seizing contraband valued at Rs 461.07 crore in 2024 during anti-smuggling efforts along the India-Bangladesh border, Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai has detailed a range of initiatives aimed at enhancing border security. These measures encompass the deployment of additional personnel and the construction of border fencing, focusing particularly on vulnerable areas.

The implementation of floodlighting and the creation of Border Out Posts (BOPs) have significantly improved security, particularly in regions characterized by rivers and dense forests.

This remarkable seizure represents the largest confiscation recorded in the past decade, as stated by the government.

Minister Rai highlighted the BSF’s comprehensive approach to tackling smuggling, which includes 24/7 surveillance, increased patrolling, and the establishment of observation posts to effectively mitigate illicit activities along one of India’s most permeable and at-risk borders.

The Indo-Bangladesh border, which stretches approximately 4,096 km, is one of the most densely populated and vulnerable international borders in the area. The varied terrain, ranging from thick forests and hilly areas to river corridors, makes it a prime target for cross-border smuggling of narcotics, cattle, gold, and other illegal goods.

Official statistics reveal that BSF seizures since 2015 have totaled Rs 2,806.17 crore. The record-breaking seizure of Rs 461.07 crore in 2024 alone highlights both the increasing challenges and the improved efficiency of border security operations.

Advanced technology is crucial to the BSF’s anti-smuggling efforts. They have deployed cutting-edge equipment, including Hand-Held Thermal Imagers (HHTI), Night Vision Devices (NVD), Twin Telescopes, and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to facilitate continuous monitoring and swift responses. Moreover, intelligence-gathering capabilities have been significantly enhanced, and collaboration with state governments and central intelligence organizations has improved.

The rise in contraband seizures indicates the escalating scale of smuggling attempts. The porous nature of the borders and socio-economic issues in these regions continue to drive smuggling activities.

National

Three Burned Alive as Car Falls from Bridge in Gujarat’s Rajkot

Published

2 weeks ago

January 31, 2026

Namma Kudla

Gujarat: A tragic accident claimed the lives of three people in Gujarat’s Rajkot district on Monday.A car fell from a bridge and caught fire, killing all occupants on the spot.

The incident occurred on the Gondal–Atkot highway.The car was travelling from Chhota Udepur towards Gondal.

According to reports, the vehicle hit the bridge’s safety barrier.After the collision, the car fell nearly eight feet into a small stream below the bridge.

Soon after the fall, the car caught fire.The occupants were trapped inside the vehicle and were unable to escape.All three were burned alive and died at the scene.

Police and fire personnel rushed to the spot after receiving information.The fire was later brought under control.The bodies were recovered and sent for post-mortem examination.

The exact cause of the accident is under investigation. Further details are awaited.

National

Girl Records Reels Inside Jail, Video Sparks Debate

Published

2 weeks ago

January 30, 2026

Namma Kudla

Bhopal: A young woman has come under public attention after recording reels inside a jail while meeting her boyfriend.

The incident happened at Raipur Central Jail in Chhattisgarh, which is known for high security. Mobile phones are strictly not allowed inside the jail. Despite this rule, the woman carried her phone into the visitor room.

She recorded videos while talking to her boyfriend during the meeting. In the video, she speaks emotionally about visiting him on his birthday. She says she feels sad because she cannot stay with him on his special day.

After the meeting, she uploaded the video on her social media account. The video quickly went viral on different platforms. The inmate seen in the video is identified as Tarakeshwar.

He is currently lodged in Raipur Central Jail. He is an accused in a case under the NDPS Act. The incident has raised serious questions about jail security.

People on social media are criticising jail staff and officials. Many users are asking how a mobile phone was allowed inside the jail.

They are also questioning the checking process at the jail entrance. So far, jail authorities have not given any official reaction.

National

MBBS Student Alleges She Was Drugged, Raped by Friend in Delhi Hotel

Published

4 months ago

October 6, 2025

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: An 18-year-old MBBS student has accused a 20-year-old male friend of drugging and sexually assaulting her at a hotel in Delhi’s Adarsh Nagar area. The alleged incident took place on September 9, police officials said.

According to the complaint, the accused, who is also a medical student, invited the woman to “Hotel Apple” on the pretext of spending time together. Once there, he allegedly gave her a drink laced with drugs and then raped her.

The survivor told police that the accused recorded obscene videos and took pictures during the assault. He later threatened to make the content viral if she reported the incident.

The woman, a native of Jind in Haryana, is currently staying at the hostel of Baba Saheb Ambedkar Medical College in Rohini, Delhi.

Based on her complaint, police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code. A search is underway to locate and arrest the accused, officials added.

In a separate case earlier this month, a school manager in Uttar Pradesh was arrested for allegedly raping a Class 8 student. In February, a tuition teacher in Delhi’s CR Park area was accused of repeatedly raping a 15-year-old student over three years and threatening her with blackmail.