Nagerjala Motor Stand Extortion Dispute: Long-Distance Bus Services Suspended Today
By Our Correspondent
Agartala, June 4, 2026
A violent clash allegedly triggered by disputes over extortion and control of the Nagerjala Motor Stand erupted on Wednesday between two factions associated with the ruling party, leaving at least six to seven people injured and creating panic among transport workers and commuters.
One of the most seriously injured was Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) leader Liton Kar, who was allegedly assaulted in broad daylight. Supporters of Liton Kar have accused Ward No. 33 Councillor Abhijit Mallick and his associates of orchestrating the attack. The allegations have intensified political controversy after some of the injured publicly claimed that the councillor had won elections through booth capturing and manipulated voting practices.
The conflict reportedly stems from long-standing allegations of extortion, illegal business activities, narcotics-related operations, and misuse of the Nagerjala Motor Stand after dark. Transport workers claim that the stand has become a center for unlawful activities and that ordinary workers face intimidation.
According to workers, a society operating at the stand collects substantial daily fees from vehicle operators. Bus and heavy vehicle owners are allegedly charged Rs.50 per day, amounting to approximately Rs.1,500 per month, while smaller vehicles pay around Rs.300 monthly. Workers allege that despite collecting thousands of rupees every day, the society spends virtually nothing on welfare or infrastructure for transport labourers.
Workers have also complained about severe neglect of basic amenities at the stand. During the ongoing summer heat, there is reportedly no reliable drinking water facility available. A tube well that once served the stand has remained out of order for several months, further fueling resentment among workers who question why they continue paying various fees.
Tensions escalated in recent days as workers openly challenged the collection of money by the society. On Wednesday, BMS leader Liton Kar reportedly raised these issues publicly and allegedly led a protest that included temporarily blocking the entrance gate of the motor stand. This was followed by a confrontation between rival groups, which soon turned violent.
Witnesses alleged that supporters of Councillor Abhijit Mallick, who is widely perceived as being politically influential, entered the stand and physically attacked members of the opposing group. Several individuals, including Liton Kar, sustained serious injuries during the clash.
The incident has raised serious concerns about law and order in Tripura. Residents and transport workers questioned the effectiveness of policing and administrative oversight, particularly given that the violence occurred openly in a busy public transport hub. Critics have alleged that despite reports of severe assault, no immediate arrests were made and no significant police action was visible following the incident.
The controversy has also reignited debates over the management of motor stands across the state. According to critics, after the BJP-led government came to power in 2018, transport stands that had previously functioned as safe resting places for workers gradually came under the control of politically connected groups. Allegations of parallel extortion networks and factional rivalries have repeatedly surfaced at major transport hubs including Nagerjala, Radhanagar, Chandrapur and several subdivision headquarters.
The Tripura State Committee of the All India Road Transport Workers Federation strongly condemned the violence. In an official statement, the organization alleged that transport workers across various stands are facing increasing harassment, financial exploitation and restrictions on their basic rights. The federation stated that similar incidents had occurred in the past and that repeated demands for government intervention had gone unanswered.
The federation further demanded immediate measures to ensure the safety of transport workers and passengers at all motor stands in the state. It also called for the protection of workers' democratic rights, including their freedom to join unions of their choice without fear or coercion.
Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh announced at a late-night press conference that all long-distance vehicle services from Nagerjala Motor Stand would remain suspended on Thursday in protest against the attack. The suspension is expected to cause inconvenience to passengers traveling to various destinations outside Agartala.
The incident has become a major political and administrative issue, with growing demands for an impartial investigation into the allegations of extortion, violence and illegal activities at one of Tripura's busiest transport hubs.
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