Alleged BJP Supporters Flee After Locals Resist Extortion Bid at Simna Bridge Site in Mohanpur

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, March 1, 2026

Tension gripped the Simna–Dhaniabhanga bridge construction site under Mohanpur Subdivision on Saturday afternoon after a group of individuals allegedly claiming affiliation with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) demanded money from the contractor’s firm and fled when confronted by local residents.

According to workers present at the site, several men arrived at the under-construction bridge near Simna and introduced themselves as BJP leaders. They reportedly demanded money from the contractor’s management, allegedly seeking payment in exchange for allowing the work to continue without disruption.

The contractor’s manager, however, refused to comply with the demand. Following the refusal, the situation escalated as labourers and local residents gathered at the spot. Witnesses alleged that when questioned and challenged by the crowd, the accused individuals fled the area.

The contractor subsequently informed the police about the incident. Police personnel from the local police station reached the construction site to assess the situation. However, no arrests had been made at the time of filing this report.

Local residents have alleged that the accused individuals are close associates of the local top BJP leaders. They claimed that due to their alleged political proximity, police did not take immediate action to detain them. There has been no official confirmation from the police regarding these allegations.

Despite the incident, residents of the bridge-adjacent area have reportedly assured the contractor of their full support to ensure that construction work continues without obstruction.

Police officials have not yet issued a detailed statement regarding the progress of the investigation. The matter has raised concerns among locals about safety and political interference at public infrastructure project sites.

Further developments are awaited.

more news...