Reported by Mrinal Kanti Banik
Agartala: Two persons were detained for questioning on Tuesday in connection with the firing at a Tipra Motha candidate in Gamaria under Tripura’s Gomati district, following which the party withdrew its blockade of the Udaipur-Amarpur road after receiving assurances of time-bound action from senior police and administrative officials.
The blockade began at around 9.45 am and was called off after District Magistrate Rinku Lather, Inspector General of Police (Law and Order) Ipper Manchak and other senior officials reached the spot and held discussions with Tipra Motha leaders.
Senior party leaders, including MLA Ranjit Debbarma, joined the protest and questioned the police over what they described as a delay in arresting those allegedly responsible for the firing. A heated exchange reportedly took place between the leaders and police officials, followed by a brief scuffle as the party sought an assurance from the district administration.
Officials subsequently assured the party leaders that action would be taken within a stipulated timeframe, after which the blockade was withdrawn.
Debbarma said the party had earlier given the police 48 hours to arrest the accused and that the deadline was nearing when party workers resumed the road blockade.
“Police informed us that two people had been detained in connection with the firing, but the main accused, who has already been identified, is still at large,” he said.
According to Debbarma, the party has now given the police another 72 hours to arrest the remaining accused, failing which Tipra Motha would resume protests across Tripura.
IG Manchak said precautionary measures had been put in place in the area following the incident.
“Two cases have been registered and investigation is being carried out in both the cases. The investigation shall proceed in its due course,” he said.
Udaipur SDPO Debanjali Roy confirmed that two persons had been detained for interrogation and said the situation remained under control.
“The blockade has been withdrawn,” she said.
The firing incident has heightened tensions in the area, with Tipra Motha leaders and young activists expressing dissatisfaction over the progress of the police investigation, according to sources.
The administration has imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) to prevent any untoward incident. Administrative sources said a crowd, including Tipra Motha MLAs and MDCs, gathered at the protest site despite the restrictions.
The party had earlier issued an ultimatum to the authorities demanding the arrest of those allegedly involved in the firing during the Tripura Village Committee elections.