Sun Nov 10 17:51:11 UTC 2024: ## Notorious Smuggler Dies After Cold Water Immersion During Border Crossing

**Kolkata, India** – A notorious cross-border narcotics smuggler, identified as Babai Barai, has died after being apprehended by the Border Security Force (BSF) while attempting to cross the Indo-Bangladesh Border (IBB) with contraband.

The incident occurred on Sunday morning following a confrontation between Barai, his accomplice, and BSF troops the previous night. The BSF patrol encountered four individuals attempting to cross the border carrying packages and weapons. A confrontation ensued, leading to BSF personnel firing a warning shot in the air. Two individuals fled back towards India, while Barai and his accomplice jumped into the Ichhamati River.

After a search operation, the BSF apprehended Barai and his accomplice from the river around 4 AM. They were taken to the Angrail Border Outpost, where they were given blankets, hot tea, and a fire to warm them. However, Barai began to feel unwell and was rushed to the nearest hospital, where he died during treatment.

The BSF recovered two packages containing 500 bottles of cough syrup, a banned substance under the Narcotics, Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, from the area.

DIG N K Pandey, spokesperson of the South Bengal Frontier, BSF, stated that Barai had a history of drug smuggling and was previously convicted under the NDPS Act, serving a two-year sentence before being released in 2021. He was arrested again by the BSF on May 25, 2023, and was out on bail. Despite his criminal history, Pandey emphasized that the BSF personnel provided all necessary assistance to Barai, including rushing him to the hospital.

Barai’s accomplice has been handed over to the local police station, and a case has been registered. An autopsy report will determine the exact cause of death.

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