Shillong, Aug 2: The Border Security Force (BSF) Meghalaya frontier has dismissed a viral video allegedly showing Bangladeshis stealing coal from India as a “mischief of Bangladeshi criminals to malign the BSF’s image.”
According to BSF Inspector General Meghalaya frontier, OP Upadhyay, the videos are old and being used to tarnish the BSF’s reputation, as they are effectively checking smuggling.
The video, sent by locals to several media organizations, shows people carrying sacks on their backs, reportedly stealing coal from areas such as Borsora, Cherregaon, Bagli, and other places in South West Khasi Hills along the Indo-Bangladesh border.
Reportedly these incidents have been reported from Borsora, Cheragoan, Rongdu, Bagli, Kalagoan, Rajaju, Lakma, Sawlymbor, Nongjri and Nonghyllam.
Upadhyay emphasized that these areas are currently under BSF surveillance.
In a similar incident on May 20, hundreds of Bangladeshis entered Indian territory to collect coal washed away by rain from a coal dump at Cheragaon, South West Khasi Hills. The BSF fired blank rounds to chase them away.
According to recent data, the BSF Meghalaya frontier has apprehended 116 Bangladeshi nationals between April 25 and July 25, 2025, as part of its efforts to curb infiltration and smuggling.
During this period, the BSF also seized goods and livestock worth over Rs 7.5 crore, including 622 cattle valued at approximately Rs 6.2 crore.
“We are effectively checking smuggling,” Upadhyay said, asserting the BSF’s commitment to maintaining border security.
The BSF has maintained regular field-level meetings with Border Guards Bangladesh to address cross-border challenges and strengthen bilateral cooperation.
