Gurdaspur

A Border Security Force (BSF) trooper sustained bullet injuries while resisting armed smugglers in Punjab's Gurdaspur along the India-Pakistan International Border (IB) on Friday.

The incident led to the seizure of a huge cache of drugs, arms, and ammunition. "As suspected, smugglers both across the IB as well as inside Indian territory between Border Post No 33/06 and 33/07 were observed while engaging in illegal activity, taking cover of dense fog at about 5.15 am, alert BSF team comprising of Head Constable Gyan Singh and Constable Raju Biswas challenged them," the BSF said in a statement.

On being challenged, miscreants resorted to firing on the BSF personnel of 89 Battalion, it added.

"Showing exemplary courage and presence of mind, Gyan Singh immediately fired back in retaliation along with Raju Biswas providing support fire. In the ensuing gunfight suspected smugglers fled away," the BSF said.

Gyan Singh sustained bullet injuries to his hand and head during the firefight.

"In spite of the dense fog conditions in the area, owing to the keen alertness of Gyan Singh and Raju Biswas, the nefarious attempt by armed smugglers to smuggle drugs, arms and ammunition could be successfully thwarted," the statement said.

Gyan Singh was taken to a hospital and his condition is reportedly stable.

The BSF has so far recovered 47 yellow plastic-covered packets suspected to be heroin, seven small packets suspected to be opium, a Chinese-made pistol with two magazines, 44 rounds of ammunition of three different calibres.

Some other items were seized near the fence, including 74 rounds AK-47 with four magazines and a 9 mm pistol with one magazine.

Further search is in progress, the BSF said.