One injured in Khowai over PWD contract dispute

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, May 30, 2025

A violent clash over a government contract in Khowai left one contractor seriously injured, exposing deep-rooted tensions and rivalries in the local construction scene.

The incident occurred outside the Public Works Department (PWD) office when Ankur Debnath, accompanied by his associate Subhankar Ghosh, arrived to collect a work order for a construction project. While Ghosh went inside, Debnath was brutally attacked by a group of unidentified assailants allegedly armed with iron rods and sharp weapons. The attackers specifically targeted his legs, leaving him severely injured.

The assault was captured on mobile phone video by Ghosh and their associate Bishal Das, who were also threatened with violence if they reported the matter to the authorities.

Debnath and Ghosh are both known to be affiliated with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Following the incident, BJP members held a press conference at the Khowai Mandal office, accusing opposition CPIM supporters of orchestrating the attack. They named several individuals, including Santanu Debbarma, Kishan Deb, and Ratan Das, claiming video evidence links them to the assault.

However, local residents painted a more complex picture, alleging that both the attackers and the victims are part of rival BJP factions engaged in a long-standing feud over lucrative government contracts.

As of now, no arrests have been reported. Police have launched an investigation based on the video footage and witness accounts. The incident has heightened political tensions in the area and raised concerns about growing violence linked to public project allocations.

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