New Delhi, Oct. 17 -- The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday said that three Bangladeshi nationals who died in Tripura earlier this week were armed smugglers who had illegally crossed into Indian territory and attacked local villagers.

In response to media queries regarding the incident, MEA Official Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a statement, "We have noted that an incident in Tripura leading to the death of three Bangladesh smugglers took place on October 15, 2025, about 3 kms inside Indian territory."

He added, "A group of three miscreants from Bangladesh crossed the international border and attempted to steal cattle from Bidyabil village in Indian territory. They attacked and injured local villagers with iron dahs an...