Agartala: Pradip Chandra Pal, a resident of Amtali, was officially returned to India on Monday through Tripura's Khowai border, ahead of Union home minister Amit Shah's scheduled visit to the state on June 5. Pal had spent more than a year in a Bangladesh prison after being arrested for entering the country without proper travel documents.
Handover at Paharmura Border Gate
The handover took place at approximately 11:30am at the Paharmura Border Gate. Senior officials from the Border Security Force (BSF), Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), and police representatives from both countries were present during the process. Pal had been detained in Bangladesh for nearly 16 months on charges related to illegal entry. Following his arrest, he was lodged in Habiganj district Jail, where he completed his sentence.
Legal Formalities Completed
After completing the sentence and fulfilling all required legal formalities, Bangladeshi authorities handed Pal over to Indian officials at the border. The repatriation was supervised by Khowai Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Krishna Dhan Sarkar, along with BSF and local law enforcement personnel. The Indian team included BSF 104 Battalion Company Commander Ashok Kumar, BSF official Stanely, and the OC of Subaltila Outpost at Sidhai Police Station. On the Bangladesh side, the process was overseen by Md Daud Hossain, in charge of Balla BGB Camp No. 55; Md. Shamsuzzaman from Habiganj District Jail; and the OC of Chunarughat Police Station.
Smooth and Coordinated Repatriation
Officials described the repatriation as smooth and well-coordinated, highlighting the continued cooperation between India and Bangladesh on cross-border legal and humanitarian matters. Pal's family received him after his return, expressing relief following his prolonged absence. The incident underscores the ongoing efforts by both nations to resolve such cases through diplomatic and legal channels.
