Seven members of Oriental Club arrested for assaulting Belonia OC during Dashami procession dispute granted bail. Police investigation continues as authorities urge local groups to maintain order and prevent clashes during public events in Tripura.
A shocking incident unfolded on Friday night when the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Belonia Police Station, Shibu Ranjan Dey, was physically assaulted during a dispute between two local associations, resulting in the arrest of seven members of the Oriental Club. The local court granted bail to all the accused on Saturday.
The altercation occurred when members of the Oriental Club allegedly obstructed the Dashami procession organized by the 1 No. Tilla Merchant Association. The procession, a significant part of the Durga Puja celebrations in the area, was met with resistance, as club members reportedly created obstacles that prevented the procession from passing through its designated route.
According to eyewitness accounts, the disagreement escalated into a heated argument, with both groups exchanging harsh words. In an attempt to control the situation, OC Shibu Ranjan Dey and police personnel arrived at the scene. When the OC tried to stop the Oriental Club from playing loud music through their sound system, he was reportedly assaulted by the club members in a shocking display of aggression.
Seven individuals were arrested in connection with the assault. The arrested include Alak Banik, Secretary of the Oriental Club; Bijay Biswas, Secretary of the Puja Committee; Sribas Sen, President of the Puja Committee; and club members Subrata Debnath, Litan Debnath, Aditya Dutta, and Litan Hazari.
The incident has stirred strong reactions among locals, with many expressing concern over the attack on law enforcement personnel during a public festival. Social media posts and local news outlets described the scene as chaotic, with eyewitnesses claiming that the OC was subjected to physical aggression despite attempting to mediate peacefully.
Police officials confirmed that a case has been registered against the seven accused under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code pertaining to assaulting a public servant and obstructing public activities. The OC, however, is reported to have sustained minor injuries and has resumed his official duties.
On Saturday, the local court hearing the matter granted bail to all seven accused individuals. Legal representatives for the accused stated that the bail decision was based on the fact that the accused had no prior criminal records and were willing to cooperate with the investigation. However, law enforcement authorities have vowed to continue probing the incident thoroughly to ensure accountability and prevent recurrence of such violent acts during public events.
Community leaders have urged for calm and emphasized the need for respecting public law enforcement authorities while celebrating cultural and religious events. The Dashami procession resumed under police supervision, with strict monitoring to prevent further disputes. Authorities have also issued a warning to local clubs and associations to maintain decorum and adhere to public safety guidelines during festival celebrations.
The Oriental Club incident has sparked broader discussions on law and order in Tripura, particularly regarding the safety of police officers during public gatherings and processions. Experts have called for stricter enforcement of regulations governing public events to prevent conflicts and ensure peaceful celebrations.
As investigations continue, police officials have appealed to the public to come forward with any additional information related to the incident. The case remains under scrutiny, and authorities have assured that those found responsible will face appropriate legal consequences.
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The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of cooperation and civility among community organizations and the critical role of law enforcement in safeguarding public order during festivals. Authorities are reportedly planning awareness drives for local clubs and committees to promote peaceful celebrations in future events.
