Tension gripped the India–Bangladesh border village of Maguruli in Unakoti district on Friday morning after a firing incident left a 28-year-old youth critically injured.

According to family members, Nurul Islam, also known as Raju, a resident of Maguruli’s Ward No. 3, sustained a bullet injury in the neck when Border Security Force (BSF) personnel allegedly entered their house around 7 a.m. and opened fire “without provocation.”

Locals rushed him to Unakoti District Hospital, where duty doctor Mayuri Pal and ENT specialist Dr. Arup Chakraborty provided emergency treatment.

“Around 8 a.m., Nurul Islam was brought in with a bullet wound in the neck. After initial treatment, he was referred to GB Hospital in Agartala for advanced care,” Dr. Pal said.

Family members alleged that although doctors quickly referred the patient, a government ambulance reached only after a long delay, which worsened his condition.

However, sources claimed that Nurul Islam had been involved in cross-border smuggling for a long time. On Friday morning, he allegedly provoked BSF personnel by filming them on his mobile phone and hurling challenges despite repeated warnings. The situation escalated, the sources said, compelling a jawan to open fire.

The incident has triggered fear and unrest in the border village, with locals demanding a thorough inquiry.