The man was caught shooting videos near this spot at Petrapole PETRAPOLE: It was a busy afternoon at the Petrapole border with Bangladeshi nationals trickling into Bengal after rigorous checks by the BSF. While some walked past the check-point and looked for transport, some spoke to journalists, recounting the last few days' happenings in Bangladesh. Suddenly, around eight money lenders and agents standing on the opposite lane of the check-point raised an alarm and surrounded a youth.
While some started asking him questions, one of them ran to the BSF office and another called up the Bongaon police station. It transpired that the youth had been recording videos of Bangladeshis arriving in India and sending the clips to multiple numbers, suspected to be operated from Bangladesh. He was handed over to the authorities.
A few 100 metres away, at Haridaspur, a BSF team hit the border road following inputs of suspicious entry of a man. It turned out to be a false alarm, but the two youths, who brought the news, were appreciated for reporting something they found suspicious. The coordination among BSF, local cops and border residents has been emerging as a critical tool in keeping an eye on illegal entry into India.
No large-scale movement has been reported from anywhere in Bengal, except in Jalpaiguri, where hundreds gathered on the other side of the border. Security agencies have been banking on village groups to act as their eyes and ears. Besides, the BSF has implemented several.