MASSIVE VIOLENCE RAGES AGARTALA , NEWSPAPER OFFICE VANDALIZED, CARS BURNT

Agartala witnessed unprecedented violence and arsons as fall out CPM BJP clashes this afternoon soon after Udaipur and Bishalgarh incidents.  In the city violence at least four cars, three motorbikes were burnt to ashes, a newspaper office was vandalized and attempt to attack the CPM’s headquarters at Melarmath office was launched.

The BJP brought out a protest rally in the city in the afternoon led by BJP leaders like Rajib Bhattacharjee, Papiya Datta, Tinku Roy. When the BJP procession reached Melarmath tail end of the procession got loose and launched a violent attack at the Pratibadi Kalam and PB 24 office. Three reporters were also injured in the attack, one among them Prasenjit Saha sustained injures on head. The personal Scorpio of Pratibadi Kalam editor Anal Roy Choudhury and three other bikes parked near the office were set afire. A group violent BJP workers also entered the office of the newspaper and rampaged.

Soon another group went in front of the CPM headquarters and set aflame three vehicles – two belonging to the party leaders and one to a common citizen.

It was alleged by the CPM leaders and also the Pratibadi Kalam staff that poilce though present in the site could not prevent the rampaging mob.

The incident triggered massive reactions among the citizens and also in the media fraternity. Complaints were lodged at various levels.

Tension is running high. Police officials said they were monitoring the situation and adequate security arrangements were made.