Tension Erupts During Village Council Vote Counting in Tulashikhar, 10–12 Injured in Lathi-Charge, CRPF Personnel Also Hurt

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, October 5, 2026

Tension erupted outside a counting centre in Khowai district on Monday during the counting of votes for the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) Village Council elections, with around 10 to 12 people, including women, reportedly injured in a lathi-charge. A CRPF personnel was also reportedly injured in the incident.

Vote counting for the Village Council elections began across different parts of Tripura from 8 a.m. on Monday in accordance with the scheduled programme. In Khowai district, counting for the Village Councils under the Tulashikhar Rural Development (RD) Block also commenced at the designated centre at Bharat Sardhar Vidyalaya.

Security arrangements had been strengthened around the counting venue, with police putting up barricades to regulate the movement of people and maintain order outside the centre.

However, shortly after counting began, tension reportedly developed outside the school premises. According to preliminary accounts, supporters of the Tipra Motha allegedly attempted to breach the police barricades outside the counting centre. The situation reportedly became increasingly tense amid the gathering of supporters and others near the venue.

Police and Central Armed Police Forces subsequently intervened to prevent the situation from escalating further. A lathi-charge was reportedly carried out as the security forces attempted to bring the crowd under control.

Around 10 to 12 people, including women, were reportedly injured during the incident. The injured were subsequently taken to Khowai District Hospital, where they were receiving medical treatment.

A CRPF personnel was also reportedly injured during the confrontation, although details regarding the nature and extent of the injury were not immediately available.

The exact circumstances that led to the use of force remain unclear. In particular, there has been no official statement so far from the police clarifying whether the barricades were actually breached, who was responsible for the alleged attempt to break through them, or the precise sequence of events that preceded the lathi-charge.

The incident has added tension to the atmosphere surrounding the counting of votes in the TTAADC Village Council elections. Security personnel have been maintaining a heightened presence around the counting venue to prevent any further escalation.

As the counting process continues, the administration and security agencies are expected to closely monitor the situation, particularly around counting centres where supporters of different political parties and candidates have gathered.

Further details, including the official assessment of injuries and any action taken in connection with the incident, are awaited.

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