New Delhi: Five BSF (Border Security Force) personnel were detained by Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) early on April 4 when they accidentally strayed into the Bangladeshi territory while chasing cattle smugglers, BSF sources said in New Delhi.

The five, comprising a patrol party, were released after about three hours following a Commandant-level 'Flag Meeting' between the two sides, the sources told reporters.

They said the BSF patrol noticed cattle-smuggling in Malda area of West Bengal and attempted to intercept them.

The smugglers, however, fled towards Bangladesh and the patrol party followed them. They strayed into the territory of the neighbouring country "without realising" it. The BDR men encircled them and took them into custody, the sources said.

A commandant-level meeting was immediately called and the "matter was sorted out" and the five released, they added.

PTI