Violence erupted in Kathaltali under Amtali Police Station after the brutal murder of BJP leader and club secretary Samir Das. Two accused brothers were arrested as angry residents vandalized and set their houses ablaze. Authorities imposed BNSS Section 163 restrictions and deployed heavy security forces to restore order.
A wave of violence, vandalism and arson swept through the Kathaltali area under Amtali Police Station in West Tripura on Tuesday following the brutal murder of local BJP leader and club secretary Samir Das. Authorities rushed in massive security deployment and imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) to prevent further deterioration of law and order.
The situation turned volatile after news spread about the killing of Samir Das, secretary of Kathaltali Club and an active member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The incident triggered widespread public outrage, with local residents taking to the streets and targeting the houses of two brothers accused of involvement in the murder.
According to police sources, the deceased was returning home on his two-wheeler late Monday night when he was allegedly intercepted by attackers. Before he could seek help, the assailants reportedly stabbed him multiple times. His blood-soaked body was later discovered lying beside a roadside stretch, sending shockwaves across the locality.
Upon receiving information, a police team led by Amtali Police Station Officer-in-Charge Paritosh Das rushed to the scene and initiated an investigation. The body was sent for post-mortem examination, while a forensic team and dog squad were deployed to collect evidence and assist in the probe.
As news of the murder spread across Kathaltali and surrounding areas on Tuesday morning, public anger intensified rapidly. Residents alleged that two local brothers, identified as Swapan Sutradhar and Mithun Sutradhar, were responsible for the killing. Large groups of people gathered near the accused persons’ residences, demanding immediate action.
Preliminary findings of the police investigation also indicated possible involvement of the two brothers in the murder. Anticipating unrest, authorities deployed a large contingent of police personnel, Tripura State Rifles (TSR) troopers and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel in the area.
Despite the preventive measures, enraged residents launched attacks on the houses of the accused. Boundary walls and fencing were damaged, while parts of the residential structures were vandalized. The situation escalated further when a section of the crowd set portions of the houses on fire.
Police officials, however, managed to evacuate the family members of the accused before the arson attack took place. Considering the highly charged atmosphere and growing anger among residents—particularly women who had gathered in large numbers—the family members were escorted to a safer location under police protection.
The unrest continued for several hours, prompting senior district officials and top police officers to intervene directly. West Tripura Superintendent of Police Namit Pathak, Additional Superintendent of Police and other senior officials remained present on the ground to monitor the situation and coordinate security measures.
Meanwhile, the accused brothers reportedly fled the locality fearing retaliation from residents. Acting swiftly, police launched a search operation and later apprehended both suspects from another part of the city. Their arrest helped ease tensions to some extent, though security forces continued intensive patrolling throughout the area.
Speaking to reporters, Amtali Police Station Officer-in-Charge Paritosh Das said the situation had been brought under control with the help of additional security deployment.
“The situation has been brought under control, but additional forces have been deployed in the area to prevent any untoward incident,” he stated.
West Tripura Superintendent of Police Namit Pathak confirmed the arrests and assured residents that the investigation would be carried out thoroughly.
“Two accused persons have been arrested. We are taking all possible measures to ensure that the culprits are brought to justice,” Pathak said.
To prevent any further breach of peace, the district administration imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the BNSS across areas falling under the jurisdiction of Amtali Police Station. The restrictions came into force from 6:00 pm on June 23 and will remain effective until 5:00 pm on June 25.
Under the order, the assembly of five or more persons has been prohibited within the police station limits. Authorities stated that the measure was necessary to maintain public order and prevent any escalation of violence.
Security personnel, including TSR and CRPF units, remain deployed across sensitive locations in Kathaltali and adjoining areas. Police have urged residents to maintain calm and cooperate with law enforcement agencies while the investigation continues.
| Also Read: Tripura Bars Private Practice, Raises Doctors’ Basic Pay |
The murder of Samir Das and the subsequent violence have left the entire locality tense, with authorities maintaining heightened vigilance. Investigators are now focusing on establishing the motive behind the killing and gathering additional evidence to strengthen the case against the arrested accused.
As the situation gradually returns to normal, residents continue to demand swift justice for the slain BJP leader, whose death has sparked one of the most serious law-and-order challenges witnessed in the area in recent months.
