Pakistan-based anti-India propaganda accounts falsely claim Bangladeshi forces arrested two Indian militants at the Banglabazar border. Verified reports confirm Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) detained two Indian smugglers, Malush Garo and Karol Garo, from Meghalaya, for illegal border crossing with goods. No evidence links them to militancy or violence. The allegations appear to be part of a disinformation campaign aimed at creating tension. There is no credible evidence linking them to militant activities or violent acts.
Sharing an image on X (Formerly Twitter) propagandist account @TacticalTribun wrote, “Bangladesh troops have arrested 2 Indian militants, while they were infiltrating into Bangladesh at Banglabazar border”.
The truth behind the claims, Fact Check
As soon as the posts containing the images and claims came to our attention. We performed relevant keyword searches and found multiple reports regarding the incident. According to the reports (1, 2), Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) detained two Indian smugglers for illegal border crossing with goods. The individuals arrested have been identified as Malush Garo and his brother Karol Garo, both from Dalia Basti under Saigram police station in East Khasia Hills District, Shillong, Meghalaya, India. There is no credible evidence linking them to militant activities or violent acts.
Additionally, Illegal smuggling across the international border is a big challenge for both countries, BSF and other security forces frequently arrest (1, 2, 3) such people involved in smuggling.
Therefore, it is evident from verified sources that the arrested individuals were not militants but smugglers.
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— D-Intent Data (@dintentdata) January 18, 2025
ANALYSIS: Misleading
FACT: Pakistan-based anti-India propaganda accounts are spreading false claims that Bangladeshi forces have arrested two Indian militants attempting to infiltrate Bangladesh via the Banglabazar border. Verified reports indicate that BGB detained (1/3) pic.twitter.com/29gFblfTMB
Intent
Propagandists are circulating misleading claims about the arrested smugglers in Bangladesh to set their narrative.
Conclusion
Claim– Bangladesh troops have arrested 2 Indian militants, while they were infiltrating Bangladesh.
Fact– Two Indian smugglers who crossed the international border with goods were detained by BGB. Nothing to do with militants.
Related Article: Fact Check: An old report about killings at the India-Bangladesh border involving smugglers has resurfaced with misleading claims – D-Intent Data
