Reported by Mrinal Kanti Banik

Agartala: A 28-year-old woman was allegedly stabbed to death during an altercation involving her live-in partner and his family at the Kamalasagar Bhadra Mela in Tripura’s Sepahijala district, police said.

The deceased, identified as Sujita Das, had been in a relationship with Pritam Nama, a married man, and the two had reportedly been living together for around three-and-a-half years. Police sources said both had been married previously.

Police have arrested Nayan Nama, Pritam’s younger brother, in connection with the killing. He was produced before the Bishalgarh Sub-Divisional Court on Sunday, where police sought his remand.

According to police sources, Pritam and Das visited the fair on Saturday night, where Pritam’s father, Sanjit Nama, and Nayan had set up a stall. The couple reportedly passed by the stall several times.

The situation allegedly turned tense after some local youths questioned Sanjit about his son being accompanied by another woman. Sanjit subsequently called Pritam and questioned him, triggering an argument.

Police sources said Pritam allegedly assaulted his father during the confrontation, prompting Nayan to intervene and try to separate them. Das also allegedly became involved in the altercation.

Nayan then allegedly picked up a knife from the fairground and stabbed Das in the neck. She was initially taken to Madhupur Primary Health Centre and later referred to GBP Hospital in Agartala after her condition deteriorated. She subsequently died.

Police arrested Nayan from Hapania Hospital later that night after receiving information about the incident.

On Sunday, police took Nayan to the alleged crime scene as part of the investigation. A forensic team also examined the site and assisted police in reconstructing the sequence of events, police sources said.

Das’s mother, Gouri Das, later filed a complaint at Madhupur police station naming Sanjit and Nayan Nama.

Police sources said Pritam had left his family and had been living with Das at her residence in the ONGC First Gate area. His father and younger brother had allegedly opposed the relationship and had previously tried to convince him to return to his family.

The investigation is underway.