Pak intruder shot dead near border in Amritsar district

A Pakistani intruder was killed by Border Security Force (BSF) troops near Ratankhurd village in Amritsar district on Monday evening. The incident occurred around 9 pm when BSF personnel detected suspicious movement at the International Boundary (IB). Despite being challenged, the intruder continued advancing toward the border security fence and exhibited aggressive behaviour. BSF troops, maintaining vigilance, fired at the individual, neutralising him on the spot.

Previous incidents

• On August 12, a Pakistani intruder was shot dead near Dal village in Tarn Taran district during a high alert ahead of Independence Day
• In July 10, another intruder was apprehended near the IB in Amritsar, and earlier in May, several other intruders were caught in Gurdaspur district
• None of them was found with objectionable items. But authorities remain cautious of the possibility of these incidents being part of a larger conspiracy to assess security at border
• The BSF continues to maintain vigil along the border to safeguard against such intrusions and potential security threats

Upon searching the intruder, Pakistani currency amounting to Rs 270, including a torn Rs 10 note, was found. His body was handed over to the Gharinda police station in Amritsar for further action. According to BSF protocol, the body will be kept for 72 hours while the Pakistan Rangers are notified to claim it. If they refuse, local authorities will perform the cremation.

Satinder Singh, DIG (Border Range), said when intruders are apprehended, a formal legal process begins. An FIR is filed, and the individuals are presented in court on charges of illegal trespassing. In cases where intruders are minors or have inadvertently crossed the border without malicious intent, they may be handed over to the Pakistan Rangers following a joint flag meeting.

A BSF official, who requested anonymity, mentioned that many intruders do not carry weapons or illegal items like narcotics. However, they are either apprehended or shot near the border fence. Pakistan Rangers often refuse to accept these individuals initially, but their refusal is generally overturned if the intruders’ identities are confirmed through documents. Many intruders turn out to be mentally unstable and are believed to have crossed the border unintentionally. This mental state may be exploited in certain cases, as these individuals can be used to test the security along the border.