Durga Puja Not Entirely Peaceful in Tripura: Murders, Assaults and Road Fatalities Cast Shadow over Festivities
By Our Correspondent
Agartala, October 20, 2026
Durga Puja celebrations across Tripura over the past two days have not been entirely peaceful, with a series of disturbing incidents reported from different parts of the state. Fatal road accidents involving young people, an alleged double murder, serious assaults, thefts, fires, clashes and other incidents have cast a shadow over the festive atmosphere, raising concerns about public safety and the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies during the celebrations.
While thousands of people have been visiting Puja pandals and participating in festivities, reports from Agartala, Dharmanagar, Kamalpur, Kakraban, Udaipur, Karbook, Amatali and other areas indicate that several localities have witnessed road accidents and property-related crimes. The incidents are separate in nature, and their circumstances require individual investigation and verification by the authorities.
One of the most disturbing incidents was reported from Baruakandi village panchayat under Dharmanagar police station in North Tripura on Maha Ashtami night. Two brothers from the same family, identified as Jaydeep Roy Chowdhury and Shubdeep Roy Chowdhury, were allegedly killed in an attack by miscreants. Another person, Bijan Das, reportedly sustained serious injuries. The incident has sent shockwaves across North Tripura, turning a festive night into a period of grief and fear for the affected families and local residents.
In another serious incident, Bikram Saha, secretary of the GB Market Puja Committee, was allegedly attacked during the early hours of the morning. According to reports, individuals described as suspected liquor sellers were involved in the assault. Saha sustained severe injuries to his neck and reportedly required 19 stitches. He is currently undergoing treatment in hospital. The incident has raised questions about the enforcement of administrative restrictions on liquor counters during the festival and whether illegal liquor sales continued despite the restrictions. The circumstances of the assault and the identities of those allegedly involved require investigation.
A separate incident of alleged violence was reported from the GB Market area, where a young man identified as Bappi was accused of attacking a person named Shantu with a sharp-edged weapon described locally as a takal. According to the report, the alleged assault took place on a public road in front of a hospital gate, with Shantu reportedly being knocked to the ground and attacked. The incident has raised concerns about safety in the busy market area and the need for effective police surveillance.
Road accidents have also claimed young lives during the festive period. On the Dharmanagar–Haflong road, a 16-year-old girl identified as Purnima Basphar reportedly died following a head-on collision between a motorcycle and an Alto car. Abhijit Das, aged 28, sustained injuries and is undergoing treatment at Dharmanagar District Hospital. Dharmanagar police reportedly seized the car, took its driver, identified as Pritam Dey, into custody and initiated an investigation into the accident.
In another heartbreaking incident, Class IX student Shilpi Ram Reang reportedly died following a collision between a scooter and a motorcycle at Karbook market. The student was initially taken to a local hospital and subsequently referred to GB Hospital in Agartala. However, according to the information received, he died on the way to the hospital. His father, Debenjoy Reang, is a farmer. The tragedy has left the family devastated and renewed concerns about road safety, particularly for young people travelling on two-wheelers.
Several other road accidents were reported during the two days. At Rajchhantai in the Bodhjungnagar area, two young men were reportedly seriously injured after a scooter lost control on Ashtami afternoon. In the Amatali bypass area near Malaynagar, a motorcycle collided with a CNG vehicle. The injured motorcycle rider was reportedly taken to Hapania Hospital by emergency personnel from the Badarghat fire service. Reports indicate that the CNG vehicle and its driver were taken to Amatali police station for further action.
A major fire in Dharmanagar reportedly destroyed ice-cream manufacturing materials valued at approximately Rs 50 lakh, causing substantial financial losses. The cause of the fire and the full extent of the damage require confirmation by the authorities. In another incident on Saptami night, a family reportedly lost its belongings in a devastating fire near the large bridge adjacent to Kali Mandir in Indranagar, Agartala. Three fire engines were reportedly deployed to control the blaze. The cause of the fire remains unknown according to the information available.
The festive period also witnessed thefts in the Kishoreganj area under Kakraban police station. During the night of Saptami, two separate incidents were reportedly recorded within a short period. A pump house near the local brick-kiln area was allegedly targeted by thieves, while the battery and a wheel were reportedly stolen from an autorickshaw belonging to local resident Debashish Bhowmik. The incidents have caused anxiety among residents, many of whom leave their homes to visit Puja pandals. Local concerns have centred on the need for stronger night patrols and more effective surveillance in vulnerable areas.
Kamalpur also witnessed allegations of political violence during the festive period. According to reports from CPI(M) sources, the party office was attacked, vandalised and looted. CPI(M) leader Prakash Kewat was also allegedly assaulted. A protest march was subsequently organised in Kamalpur against the alleged attack on the party office and the assault on the leader.
The Local CPIM statement called for legal action and protection for those affected while rejecting retaliation as a solution.
In Udaipur, a clash reportedly broke out among CNG drivers at the Khilpara CNG station, creating tension in the area. The reason for the confrontation, the identities of those involved and whether anyone was injured remain unclear from the information received.
Visitors to the Puja pandal associated with Shantikami Sangha in the Buddh Mandir area reportedly faced disappointment after an electricity disruption left the area in darkness. The incident raised concerns about basic arrangements for visitors, particularly during evening hours when proper lighting is essential for safe movement. The reason for the power failure and the duration of the disruption were not available.
In another development, an anti-narcotics operation at Manpathar market reportedly led to the recovery of 168 bottles of foreign liquor. The seizure highlights continuing concerns about the enforcement of restrictions and the prevention of illegal liquor sales during the festival.
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