BSF guns down 2 Pakistani, 2 Indian drug smugglers near border in Punjab

The Border Security Force has recovered about 10 kg of heroin and two pistols from the possession of dead smugglers.

Picture for representation only.

New Delhi: The Border Security Force (BSF) gunned down four smugglers at Punjab's Khem Karan sector near India-Pakistan border on Sunday early morning. 

The encounter took place in Mehndipur village.

Two of the dead smugglers are from India whereas, remaining two are from Pakistan. Initial reports suggest that the Pakistani smugglers were in India to deliver drugs to their Indian counterparts when the encounter took place.

"Out of 4, 2 were recipients from Indian side and 2 were Pak smugglers who were to deliver contraband narcotics," said Anil Paliwal, IG, BSF. 

BSF has also recovered about 10 kg of heroin and two pistols from their possession. 

The BSF personnel belonging to 191 battalion spotted some movement near the Mehndipur border outpost in Ferozepur sector at about 4:40 am and opened fire, Deputy Inspector General of BSF RK Thapa said. One of the intruders is believed to have fled back to the Pakistan side, the DIG said.

The two Indian nationals are yet to be identified, he said, adding that investigation is underway.

Following the Pathankot Air Force base terror attack last month, the BSF is on high alert against any cross-border infiltration attempt. 

The borders' security agency has been facing criticism after the reports that Pathankot attackers had sneaked into the Indian side through Indo-Pak border in Punjab, which is guarded by the BSF.