After spending more than a year in a Bangladeshi prison, Indian citizen Pradip Chandra Pal, a resident of Tripura's Amtali area, was officially repatriated to India on Monday through the Khowai border.
The handover was carried out at approximately 11:30 a.m. via the Paharmura Border Gate in the presence of senior officials from the Border Security Force (BSF), Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), and police authorities of both nations.
According to official sources, Pal was arrested in Bangladesh nearly 16 months ago for allegedly entering the country without valid travel documents. Following his arrest, he was lodged in Habiganj District Jail, where he served a prison sentence under Bangladeshi law.
Upon completion of his sentence and the necessary legal procedures, Bangladeshi authorities handed him over to Indian officials at the international border.
The repatriation process was overseen by Khowai Police Station Officer-in-Charge Krishna Dhan Sarkar along with officials from the BSF and local police administration. Representing the Indian side were BSF 104 Battalion Company Commander Ashok Kumar, BSF official Stanely, and the Officer-in-Charge of Subaltila Outpost under Sidhai Police Station.
On the Bangladeshi side, the officials present included Md. Daud Hossain, In-Charge of Balla BGB Camp No. 55, Md. Shamsuzzaman from Habiganj District Jail, and the Officer-in-Charge of Chunarughat Police Station.
Authorities from both countries described the repatriation as smooth and well-coordinated, highlighting the continued cooperation between India and Bangladesh in handling cross-border legal and humanitarian matters.
The return of Pradip Chandra Pal was welcomed by his family members, who expressed relief and gratitude after his long absence. Local residents and officials also praised the coordinated efforts of both governments in ensuring his safe and lawful return home.
