Charilam Daylight Gang War Exposes Drug Mafia Network, Four Arrested Including a Minor, 11 Identified
By Our Correspondent
Agartala, March 4, 2026
A shocking broad daylight gang war linked to drug trafficking in Charilam under Sepahijala district has exposed the growing influence of organized drug mafias in the region. The violent incident, which created panic in the busy Charilam Bazar area, led to the identification of 11 alleged members of a drug trafficking network, while four persons, including a minor, have been arrested so far.
Sepahijala District Superintendent of Police Bijay Debbarma disclosed the details during a press briefing yesterday night. According to him, the arrested persons have been identified as Ashish Uddin, Kaushik Debnath, and Krishna Debnath, along with a minor. Police also revealed that some of the accused are sons of police and TSR personnel, a development that has further intensified public attention on the case.
According to local sources, the dramatic chain of events began when a Max cargo vehicle carrying contraband Phensedyl syrup worth around Rs.15 lakh was travelling from Sonamura towards an undisclosed destination. The vehicle was reportedly intercepted near the Bishalgarh bypass by members of the notorious Bhuttu gang, known for their involvement in drug trafficking.
The attackers allegedly used two vehicles to block the road in an attempt to stop the Phensedyl-laden cargo vehicle. In a desperate attempt to escape, the driver accelerated the vehicle, damaging several vehicles in the process. This triggered a high-speed chase by the gang members.
The cargo vehicle was eventually forced to halt at Charilam Bazar, where the attackers allegedly looted the entire consignment of Phensedyl. The gang members reportedly assaulted the driver with knives, brandished firearms and other sharp weapons, and created widespread panic in the crowded market area. Several people sustained injuries during the chaos.
On receiving information, Additional Superintendent of Police Rajib Sutradhar rushed to the spot along with a large contingent of personnel from Bishalgarh Police Station. By the time police arrived, most of the attackers had fled the scene. However, local residents managed to apprehend one accused, Sumit Saha of Jangalia in Bishalgarh, who was later taken into police custody.
The injured driver was admitted to Bishalgarh Sub-Divisional Hospital, where he is currently undergoing treatment. Police also recovered the damaged cargo vehicle from the scene.
SP Bijay Debbarma stated that 11 persons involved in the gang war have been identified and cases have been registered against them. Intensive raids are underway to arrest the remaining accused. He assured that strict action will be taken against all individuals involved in organized criminal activities.
The incident has also raised serious questions about how a vehicle carrying such a large quantity of Phensedyl managed to pass through areas reportedly under the watch of traffic police and personnel of Bishalgarh Police Station.
Local residents expressed anger, alleging that while small-time offenders are often arrested, the major operators of the drug trade continue to operate freely. The episode has triggered debate over possible protection networks and administrative lapses in controlling the drug menace.
Meanwhile, police have intensified surveillance in Charilam and surrounding areas to prevent further escalation. Officials have assured that the ongoing investigation will examine all aspects of the case, including potential negligence or complicity.
The Charilam gang war has once again highlighted the serious challenge posed by organized drug trafficking in Sepahijala district, raising fresh concerns over law-and-order and the spread of narcotics networks in the region.
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