A violent altercation broke out between two groups of contractors of the Water Resource Development Department (DWS) in Kailashahar, Unakoti district, over alleged corruption and extortion demands. The situation escalated when a motorbike was set on fire, prompting senior police officials, including the Sub-Divisional Police Officer, to deploy a large contingent of Tripura State Rifles (TSR) to restore order.
The contractors alleged that DWS officials were favoring contractor mafias, obstructing their work, and demanding bribes. They claimed that despite receiving work orders, they were not provided with site details. Initially assigned a project in Kailashahar, they were later redirected to Ambassa in Dhalai district. However, upon arrival, they found no officials present, and the Executive Engineer was reportedly on leave.
Further accusations included demands of ₹20 lakh in bribes, allegedly backed by a minister from Kailashahar. Contractors stated that without paying, they were unable to execute government projects. They also claimed corruption extended to other departments like PWD, Health, and Rural Development.
Police forces remain deployed to prevent further clashes. Contractors have urged higher authorities to intervene and address the growing corruption and favoritism in government contract allocations.
