Tipra Motha Leader Dies After Violence Outside Counting Centre in Champahaur, Clash Leaves DSP Injured

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, October 5, 2026

Tension erupted in Champahaur in Khowai district on Monday during the counting of votes for the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) Village Committee elections, with violent clashes reported outside the counting centre. A Tipra Motha-linked man, identified as 57-year-old Motilal Karmakar, died while being taken from Khowai to GB Pant Hospital in Agartala.

According to reports, Karmakar was allegedly injured during the violence outside the counting centre and died on the way to the hospital. His wife Anita Debbarma has claimed that her husband was a leader of the Tipra Motha and alleged that he died following an assault on his head by police during the unrest.

The allegations, however, could not be independently verified immediately, and the exact circumstances leading to Karmakar's death remain unclear.

The incident reportedly occurred amid a confrontation involving supporters of Tipra Motha and BJP during the counting process. The situation became tense as supporters of the rival political groups gathered outside the counting centre.

Tipra Motha leaders alleged that police resorted to lathi-charge during the confrontation. The party has claimed that the use of force contributed to the injuries sustained by its supporters.

The violence also resulted in injuries to police personnel. DSP Arghyadip Laskar was reportedly injured after being struck by a slingshot (gulti) during the clash. Several other police and Tripura State Rifles (TSR) personnel were also reported to have sustained injuries.

The situation reportedly turned tense again in Champahaur around noon, with security forces deployed to prevent further escalation.

The death of Karmakar has added a serious dimension to the already volatile situation surrounding the counting of the TTAADC Village Committee election results. The incident is likely to trigger demands for a detailed investigation into the circumstances of his death, particularly the allegations of police assault raised by his family and Tipra Motha leaders.

Authorities are expected to examine the sequence of events, including the clashes between political supporters, the alleged use of force by police, and the circumstances in which Karmakar sustained his injuries.

The incident comes as counting of votes is underway across the TTAADC areas, where political tensions have remained high following the intense campaign and election process.

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