Key accused Rintu Debbarma has been arrested following a violent attack by Tipra Motha Party (TMP) workers on BJP functionaries during PM Modi’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’ in Tripura’s Khowai district. CM Manik Saha directed strong police action. Tensions rise as more arrests are expected amid ongoing investigation.
In a swift response to a violent political clash, the Tripura police on Monday arrested the key accused, Rintu Debbarma, after a group of Tipra Motha Party (TMP) workers allegedly attacked Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) functionaries in the Khowai district during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’ programme on Sunday.
The attack, which occurred in the Asharambari Assembly constituency, left at least nine BJP workers injured and multiple vehicles vandalised. The incident sparked widespread concern over rising political tensions in the northeastern state. The action came hours after Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha, who also holds the Home portfolio, gave clear directives to the police to act promptly and ensure justice for the victims.
Khowai District Superintendent of Police Ranaditya Das confirmed the arrest of Rintu Debbarma and noted that 30 individuals were named in the First Information Report (FIR). “Multiple police teams are currently conducting search operations to nab the remaining accused. We are taking the matter seriously and will ensure that the perpetrators face legal consequences,” SP Das told IANS.
Large contingents of security forces led by senior police officers have been deployed in the area to prevent any escalation of tension. The situation in Asharambari remains sensitive but under control, according to local authorities.
The Tipra Motha Party, led by former royal scion Pradyot Bikram Manikya Debbarma, is currently a junior partner in the ruling BJP-led government in Tripura and has two cabinet ministers, including Forest Minister Animesh Debbarma, in the state administration.
Chief Minister Manik Saha visited three of the injured BJP functionaries at the GBP Medical College and Hospital in Agartala on Sunday night. Expressing grave concern over the incident, Saha said, “The manner in which Tipra Motha Party workers carried out the violent attack during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’ is utterly dangerous and undemocratic. Such acts cannot be tolerated in a democracy.”
The Chief Minister further stated that he had instructed doctors to ensure proper treatment and speedy recovery of the injured BJP workers. “I have directed the police administration to take strict legal action. The government makes it clear that no such shameless and violent attacks will be tolerated in any way,” Saha said firmly.
According to eyewitnesses and BJP leaders, around 100 TMP workers stormed a house where a BJP gathering was listening to the Prime Minister’s monthly radio address. “They came with sticks, daos (sharp-edged weapons), and other locally made arms. My vehicle was vandalised, and they also attacked the house owner,” said Jayanta Debbarma, BJP’s Mandal President.
Local BJP functionaries said that eight motorcycles and two cars belonging to party members were damaged in the attack. The injured were initially taken to Khowai district hospital before some were shifted to GBP Hospital for better treatment.
Bipin Debbarma, BJP’s State General Secretary, said a delegation from the party’s state unit visited the site of the violence. “This is a serious breach of democratic rights. We have demanded the immediate arrest of all attackers. The Chief Minister has already spoken with Forest Minister Animesh Debbarma over the matter,” he said.
Forest Minister Animesh Debbarma, who represents the Asharambari Assembly Constituency, has not yet issued a public statement regarding the incident.
As the investigation unfolds, political analysts observe growing tension between the alliance partners — BJP and TMP — especially in tribal-dominated constituencies. The state government is keen to maintain law and order and ensure that the upcoming festive season remains peaceful.
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With arrests underway and security heightened, the government aims to send a strong message against political violence in Tripura, asserting that such incidents will not be allowed to disrupt democratic processes or social harmony in the state.
