Violence and arson erupt in Unakoti’s Fatikroy over a festival subscription dispute, prompting Section 163 prohibitory orders, internet suspension, heavy security deployment, and political reactions as authorities restore normalcy and arrest multiple suspects.
Violence and arson erupted in the Shimultala area of Fatikroy under Kumarghat subdivision on Wednesday following a dispute over the collection of subscriptions for a local religious festival, triggering communal tension and forcing the administration to impose prohibitory measures.
The situation turned volatile after clashes broke out between two groups, prompting the district administration to promulgate prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), earlier Section 144 of the CrPC. Mobile internet services were also suspended for 48 hours across the Kumarghat subdivision to prevent the spread of rumours and mobilisation.
According to local sources, the trouble began when volunteers of the Bhairav Mela organising committee stopped a vehicle carrying timber logs and demanded a contribution for the festival. The driver reportedly refused, stating that the demand was unjustified. The disagreement soon escalated, leading the owner of a nearby timber shop to intervene. The shop owner belongs to the minority community.
The verbal altercation intensified and later snowballed into a physical clash after a communal angle allegedly came into play. In the initial phase, the festival volunteers were assaulted by the timber shop owner and his associates. Subsequently, residents from adjoining areas retaliated, resulting in widespread violence and incidents of arson.
Police sources said the timber shop was unauthorised and that the owner had a previous history of alleged involvement in illegal business activities linked to Bangladesh.
Following the outbreak of violence, a large contingent of police, along with personnel from the Tripura State Rifles (TSR), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Assam Rifles, was deployed in the area. Police conducted a mild lathi-charge to disperse the mob, while drone surveillance was introduced to monitor the situation.
Unakoti District Magistrate Dr Tamal Majumder and Superintendent of Police (in-charge) Avinash Rai visited the spot to assess the situation. Prohibitory orders were imposed in the affected areas to prevent further escalation.
As a precautionary measure, the district administration ordered the suspension of mobile internet services across Unakoti district for 48 hours.
Addressing the media, SP (in-charge) Avinash Rai said, “An unfortunate incident occurred in the area. Adequate security forces have been deployed and the troublemakers have been arrested. The situation has largely returned to normal and we are keeping a close watch.”
An advisory was later issued urging residents not to circulate rumours or misinformation. Police warned of strict action against those found spreading false or inflammatory content.
Police sources said that stacks of hay, bamboo fencing and a timber-laden vehicle were set ablaze by the mob. It was also alleged that attempts were made to damage a religious place; however, no major harm was reported to any household or structure.
District Magistrate Dr Tamal Majumder said, “Boundary walls and fences of a few houses were affected. Around seven to eight people have been taken into police custody. The situation is fully under control and normalcy has been restored.”
Dismissing rumours of damage to a place of worship, Dr Majumder clarified, “No serious harm was caused to any religious structure. Only a portion of an outer window was damaged.”
Local MLA and Minister Sudhangshu Das rushed to his constituency after receiving information about the incident. He said the situation had been brought under control and appealed to the public to refrain from rumour-mongering.
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“An unfortunate and undesirable incident occurred in the Saidarpara area of my Assembly constituency, which is deeply regrettable. The local leadership and police acted swiftly and succeeded in restoring normalcy. Several persons have already been arrested, and all those responsible will be brought to justice. I urge everyone not to spread false or misleading information,” the Minister said.
Meanwhile, opposition parties Congress and CPI(M) condemned the incident and held the ruling BJP responsible. Leader of Opposition Jitendra Chaudhury and Congress Legislature Party leader Birajit Sinha demanded stringent action against those involved in the violence and arson.
