Kolkata: The Border Security Force (BSF) on January 28 accused the Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) of unprovoked firing on January 27 night while denying allegations of trying to deport some Bengali-speaking Muslims across the border.

"BDR started firing on January 27 night without any provocation and fired four rounds on our posts on the Indo-Bangla border in Nadia district," BSF deputy inspector general (DIG) R P Singh said.

"We did not even take retaliatory action. There was, however, no casualty on our side," Singh said adding that a formal protest with the Bangladeshi authorities has already been filed.

He also dismissed reports that the firing took place following attempts of deportation from the Indian side saying, "We are not trying to deport anybody. There has been no such attempt last night. The BDR engaged in unprovoked firing."

Asked about the BDR's claim that they opened fire to foil a deportation bid by the BSF along the border at Palianpur (in Jhenaidah district of Bangladesh), Singh said, "Only they can tell you why they did so. There was no provocation or retaliation from our part."

PTI