A Border Security Force (BSF) personnel sustained bullet injury 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 Head Constable Gyan Singh and Constable Raju Biswas challenged them," said the force.
On being challenged, miscreants resorted to firing on the BSF personnel of 89 Battalion, it added.
Further, the BSF said, "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."
During the exchange of fire, as per the force, Gyan Singh sustained bullet injuries to his hand and head.
"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 BSF said in its statement.
Injured Gyan Singh has been taken to a hospital, and his condition is reportedly stable.
In the operation, the BSF has so far recovered 47 yellow plastic-covered packets suspected to be heroin, seven small packets suspected to be opium, one pistol (Norinco made in China) with two magazines, 44 rounds of three calibers.
Some other items were seized near the fence, including a blue-coloured plastic pipe of approximately 15 feet, 74 rounds AK-47 with four magazines, 9 mm Pietro Bretta pistol with one magazine, 9 mm 12 rounds, one shawl, one muffler, and a winter cap.
Further search is in progress, the force said.
"Indomitable Courage": 2 BSF Soldiers Killed In Ethnic Violence-Hit Manipur Awarded Gallantry Medals Bangladeshi Smuggler Killed In Retaliatory Firing By Border Force Border Forces Recover Drone Carrying Heroin Worth Rs 15 Crore In Rajasthan 2 French Rafale Jets Collide Mid-Air, Instructor, Pilot Missing Tear Gas Fired After Kolkata Protest Against Doctor's Rape-Murder Turns Violent "Pivotal Moment": Key Doctor Body Resumes Strike 2 Days After Calling It Off Rahul Gandhi's Seat At Red Fort Triggers Fresh Congress Attack On BJP Monkeypox Virus Killed 548 People In This Nation Since Start Of 2024 Tiger Attacks 5 After Escaping From Rajasthan's Sariska Tiger Reserve Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.