Clash in Tripura's Charilam: One CPM supporter dead, at least 25 injured

Agartala, Nov 30, 2022, By Our Correspondent

Agartala, Nov 30: At the time when the Tripura government is eunning a ‘Sushasan’ campaign across the state, one CPM supporter died and at least 25 others including police and a reporter were injured after a violent clash erupted between CPM and BJP at Charilam constituency in Sepahijala district on Wednesday.

The incident recorded the first political murder of the state since the BJP came to power. Bhanulal Saha, a sitting MLA of the opposition CPM, and a police officer were also hurt.

Call it inefficiency or a favour for the ruling party, the failure on the police’s part was evident during the clash and it had invited strong criticism.

CPM supporter, Sahid Miah of Uttarmura in Charilam was injured after being severely attacked during the incident. He died in the hospital later on.

Local CPM leaders alleged that a mass deputation of CPM to Charilam block was scheduled and prior police permission was taken for it. But, there were presence of BJP activists along with lethal weapons. Later, the local CPM party office had come under the attack of BJP miscreants.

On the other hand, BJP charilam mandal president Rajkumar Das alleged that a group of CPM workers had launched an attack on the local office of the ruling party leaving several Karyakartas injured.

Tension ran high at Charilam market following the incident. According to reports coming from various sources, there was a presence of police personnel but they had acted like mute spectators. There were also reports about hurling bombs the warring groups. However, security personnel in adequate numbers were deployed at the spot to avoid any further untoward incident.