Malda (West Bengal) [India], September 13 (ANI): The Border Security Force (BSF) rescued 10 alleged Bangladeshi nationals, including three children, three women and four men, after their boat capsized in the strong currents of the River Ganga, the force said on Sunday.
According to BSF, troops of 71 Battalion, Malda Sector, carried out the rescue operation after noticing several people struggling in the river on the evening of September 12.
BSF RESCUES 10 BANGLADESHI NATIONALS FROM DROWNING IN RIVER GANGA
In a swift and courageous rescue operation, alert troops of 71 Battalion BSF, Malda Sector, saved the lives of 10 Bangladeshi nationals, including three children, three women and four men, after their boat… pic.twitter.com/NP9IVprWSt
In a post on X, BSF said, "In a swift and courageous rescue operation, alert troops of 71 Battalion BSF, Malda Sector, saved the lives of 10 Bangladeshi nationals, including three children, three women and four men, after their boat capsized in the strong currents of the River Ganga. Among those rescued was a 30-day-old infant in critical condition, who was provided immediate first aid and rushed to the nearest government hospital. The infant is now reported to be stable and in normal condition," BSF said.
The force said that its personnel immediately launched a rescue operation and reached the spot in a speedboat after sensing the seriousness of the situation.
"The incident occurred on the evening of 12 September 2026, when BSF personnel deployed near Border out Post Khandua noticed several persons struggling in the strong river current and at risk of drowning. Sensing the gravity of the situation, the troops immediately launched a rescue operation and rushed to the spot in a speed boat," the statement read.
BSF said that after sustained and determined rescue efforts, BSF personnel successfully rescued all 10 persons from the river and brought them to safety. The rescued persons told BSF that they are residents of Joharpur village, Bangladesh, and were travelling from Chapai Nawabganj to Joharpur.
The rescued individuals informed the troops that their boat capsized while crossing the Padma (Ganga) River, following which they were swept towards the Indian side due to the strong current.
BSF said, "The rescued persons told BSF that they are residents of Joharpur village, Bangladesh, and were travelling from Chapai Nawabganj to Joharpur. While crossing the Padma (Ganga) River, their boat suddenly capsized, throwing all the occupants into the river. Owing to the strong current, they were swept towards the Indian side. BSF safely handed over all 10 Bangladeshi nationals to the troops of 53 Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) after completion of all necessary formalities." (ANI)
