A violent contractor clash in Kailasahar’s Tillabazar area led to firing, knife attacks, and five injuries on Tuesday. Police seized weapons, deployed additional forces, and launched a probe as rising contractor rivalries spark fear and unrest among local residents.
A shocking outbreak of violence erupted in the Tillabazar market area under the Gournagar RD Block in Kailasahar late Tuesday, following an escalating dispute between rival contractor groups. What began as a heated argument over a disputed Public Works Department (PWD) road construction tender earlier in the day spiraled into a full-blown street war involving open firing and brutal knife attacks, leaving five people severely injured and the entire town in panic.
According to eyewitnesses, tension had been simmering since morning at the PWD office, where contractors reportedly clashed over allegations of manipulation and favoritism in the tender process. The disagreement, initially confined to verbal exchanges, took a dangerous turn by evening when armed men stormed the busy Tillabazar area, triggering chaos among shopkeepers and residents.
Local sources identified the alleged attackers as Tera Miya, Safat Mia, Imran Ali, and Sufian Ali, who reportedly led the assault with firearms and sharp weapons. Panic spread rapidly as gunshots echoed through the market and several men were seen chasing their rivals with machetes and knives. Residents described the scene as “terrifying,” with people running for cover as violence engulfed the locality.
Police launched an immediate operation in the aftermath of the clash. A vehicle linked to one of the accused, Imran Ali, was found abandoned near the spot. Officers recovered multiple sharp weapons from the car, which has since been taken into custody at Irani Police Station for forensic examination. Senior officers believe the weapons were used in the attack and will play a crucial role in the investigation.
The injured individuals — Abdul Samim, Abdul Hannan, Zakir Hossain, Safat Mia, and Hussain Ahmed — were rushed to Unakoti District Hospital soon after the incident. Medical authorities confirmed that four of them are in critical condition due to deep stab wounds and possible bullet injuries. Arrangements have been made to shift them to GB Pant Hospital in Agartala for advanced medical care.
In response to the escalating tension, security forces were swiftly deployed across sensitive points. Additional police personnel and Tripura State Rifles (TSR) teams have been stationed at both Unakoti District Hospital and the Tillabazar area to prevent any retaliatory attacks or renewed clashes. Police have also intensified night patrolling and set up checkpoints at major entry and exit routes of Kailasahar.
Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Rughul A confirmed the violent clash and assured that the situation is currently under control. “We are monitoring the area closely. Additional forces have been deployed to maintain law and order. Investigations are underway to identify all those involved and take strict action,” the SDPO stated.
However, despite the police’s efforts, the incident has triggered widespread public outrage and anxiety. Residents expressed deep concern over the growing influence of violent contractor groups in the region, accusing both the local administration and political leadership of negligence. Many believe the unchecked rise of tender-related disputes, fueled by financial and political interests, has created an environment where armed clashes have become increasingly common.
Local business owners in Tillabazar reported that frequent disputes among contractor groups have disrupted peace and commercial operations over the past few months. Several traders have urged authorities to introduce stricter monitoring of tender processes and ensure transparency to prevent further violence.
Community leaders have also called for a coordinated crackdown on criminal syndicates operating under the guise of contract work. They warn that unless decisive and sustained action is taken, Kailasahar may face more severe outbreaks of violence in the coming months, affecting the region’s social stability and security.
As the situation continues to unfold, police are preparing multiple teams to track down the accused individuals, several of whom remain absconding. Investigators are reviewing CCTV footage from nearby shops and intersections to reconstruct the sequence of events leading to the clash.
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For now, Kailasahar remains tense, with residents hoping that swift and strong administrative action will prevent the contractor rivalry from spiraling into further bloodshed.
