A late-night road accident in Tripura’s Unakoti district killed four, including a TSR jawan. Locals allege overspeeding and suspect illegal activity. A police investigation is underway. The tragedy has sparked demands for stricter night-time traffic control and vehicle safety enforcement across the region.
A devastating road accident on Wednesday night in the Chirakuti area of Unakoti district has left four people dead and two others seriously injured, shaking the local community and prompting widespread demands for an in-depth investigation.
The accident occurred when a speeding Toyota Innova (bearing registration number TR-02-M-0599) crashed into a stationary police vehicle on the roadside. According to police sources, the police van had been pulled over due to a flat tyre, and members of the Tripura State Rifles (TSR) were engaged in replacing it when the tragedy struck.
The impact of the collision was so intense that TSR jawan Milan Debbarma, who hailed from Khowai district and was outside the vehicle at the time, was fatally struck first. The speeding car then rammed directly into the police vehicle, severely injuring several others.
Among the other deceased were:
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Sajad Ali, the driver and owner of the Innova, a resident of Bhagabannagar.
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Akhtar Ali, passenger in the vehicle.
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Banbir Shabdakar, another civilian whose identity was confirmed by officials later.
All three died on the spot due to the high-speed impact, and were declared dead upon arrival at the Unakoti District Hospital. The two surviving injured individuals are currently undergoing treatment, with their condition reported as critical but stable.
Eyewitness Accounts and Public Outcry
Eyewitnesses described the scene as horrifying and chaotic. “The Innova came like a bullet. It hit the TSR jawan and then smashed into the police van. It was terrifying,” recounted a local resident who was nearby at the time.
Concerns have been raised about the speed of the Innova, especially at such a late hour. Local residents have begun speculating whether the vehicle was involved in suspicious or illegal activities, given the unusual urgency and lack of control.
“This wasn’t just an accident. Something seems off. Why was the vehicle going that fast at night? We demand a thorough probe,” said one resident from the Chirakuti area.
Several social activists and community leaders have also echoed similar sentiments, urging Tripura Police and the administration to investigate any possible foul play and review footage from nearby CCTV cameras for clarity.
Police Response and Investigation Underway
Senior police officials from Unakoti district have confirmed that an investigation has already been initiated. Preliminary inquiries suggest that the driver may have lost control due to overspeeding, but other angles — including intoxication or unauthorized activities — are also being explored.
“We are not ruling out any possibilities at this point. The vehicle has been seized, and forensic teams are examining it. We will also conduct a mechanical inspection and drug/alcohol tests on the deceased driver to understand the cause,” a police spokesperson said.
Authorities are also in the process of reviewing the exact timeline and location data of the vehicle before the crash. TSR authorities have expressed condolences to the family of jawan Milan Debbarma and have assured full support to the injured.
Community Reaction and Demands for Safety Measures
The tragic incident has reignited discussions on night-time patrolling, vehicle speed regulations, and roadside safety, especially for law enforcement personnel working late hours.
Citizens have demanded:
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Installation of speed cameras in vulnerable areas.
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Mandatory night-time speed restrictions.
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High-visibility warning systems for halted emergency vehicles.
Local leaders from Khowai and Unakoti have also called for compensation for the families of the deceased and stricter enforcement of road safety norms.
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As the grieving families prepare for final rites, the tragic accident has left a scar on the community — one that may take time and accountability to heal.
