Road Repair Work Stopped By Negotiation Gang, Sparks Tension in Khowai, Allegations of Threats, Assault

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, March 5, 2026

A major tension erupted in the Office Tilla area of Khowai town after road renovation work began, triggering a series of allegations, counter-allegations, and confrontations that kept the town on edge throughout Wednesday.

The incident began when renovation work on a key stretch of road—from the Superintendent of Police (SP) Office at Office Tilla to the Subhash Park Chakraborty Commercial Traffic Point,

was initiated under a tender issued by the Public Works Department (PWD). The contract for the project was awarded to contractor Anthony Debbarma.

According to the contractor, the trouble started on Tuesday morning when he arrived at the site with workers to begin the renovation work. He alleged that a group of individuals, described as a negotiation gang, arrived at the location and pressured him to stop the work. The contractor further claimed that the group threatened the workers and warned them of serious consequences if the work continued.

The situation escalated further on Wednesday evening when the Skylark Club of Khowai organized an emergency press conference at around 7 pm, presenting a counter-version of the events.

The club’s secretary alleged that during the road work, a bulldozer was removing bricks from the road in front of the club premises. When he approached the bulldozer driver to ask the reason for the removal of bricks, he was allegedly attacked by the contractor Anthony Debbarma along with Parimal Debnath and several others.

The secretary claimed that he was physically assaulted during the altercation. He also alleged that the attackers snatched money he was carrying at the time of the incident.

The conflicting claims from both sides have turned the Office Tilla area into a tense zone and created widespread discussion across Khowai town. The incident has raised concerns about law and order and the alleged role of negotiation groups interfering in government development works.

Local residents said the situation created panic in the area and demanded a proper investigation into the allegations made by both sides.

Authorities are expected to examine the matter and take appropriate steps to ensure that development work continues without disruption while maintaining peace and security in the town.

more news...