Agartala: Simmering tension has gripped the Takarjala area in Tripura’s Sepahijala district following a violent clash between supporters of the BJP and Tipra Motha on Friday.
In this latest incident of pre-poll violence ahead of the ADC elections, Superintendent of Police Sepahijala Bijoy Debbarma was among several people injured as miscreants resorted to stone pelting and hurled projectiles using catapults at Garobazar in Takarjala.
According to police sources, the confrontation turned violent during the day, prompting the deployment of additional security forces to bring the situation under control. Though active clashes were contained, tension continued to prevail in the area till late evening, with crowd mobilisation reported in various pockets until night.
Senior officials stated that the Additional Director General of Police rushed to the spot to supervise law and order measures. Despite heavy deployment, the situation remained sensitive due to continued mobilisation of people near the incident site.
Authorities maintained that while no fresh violence had been reported, the possibility of escalation could not be ruled out.
Sepahijala SP Bijoy Debbarma sustained injuries while attempting to manage the situation, as protesters allegedly hurled stones and other objects at security personnel.
Reports indicated that he was struck by a projectile believed to have been launched using a catapult. Police used mild force to disperse the crowd.
Sources also confirmed that one individual identified as Bijoy Debbarma, a supporter of Tipra Motha, suffered bullet injuries during the unrest. However, senior police officials clarified that security forces did not open fire during the incident.
The house of local BJP candidate for the ADC polls, Nirmal Debbarma, also came under attack. His office was vandalised, and till late night, his residence was besieged by Tipra Motha supporters.
Meanwhile, allegations and counter-allegations emerged from both political camps. Leaders of the BJP claimed that the residence and office of candidate Nirmal Debbarma were targeted by miscreants.
State BJP president Rajib Bhattacharjee alleged that attackers used catapults to damage the property shortly after a campaign rally had concluded.
On the other hand, Tipra Motha supporters assembled in large numbers outside the local police station, accusing BJP workers of initiating the violence. Protesters raised slogans demanding action against those allegedly responsible for attacking their party members.
Local sources suggested that the violence may have been triggered after a campaign vehicle came under attack, further intensifying tensions between the rival groups. Police presence in the area was subsequently increased to prevent further escalation.
In a separate incident reported from Sonamura subdivision, a 65-year-old woman identified as Ohila Rani Noatia sustained injuries in an alleged politically motivated assault late on Friday evening. The incident occurred at Tilabari Colony under Monai Pathar ADC village shortly after campaigning for the TTAADC elections concluded.
She was shifted to Kathalia Community Health Centre for treatment. Police have registered a case and initiated an investigation, while efforts are underway to identify and apprehend the accused.