Theft Incidents Cast a Shadow Over Durga Puja in Tripura: Cash, Gold Ornaments, Auto Parts Stolen, Police Vigilance Under Scrutiny
By Our Correspondent
Agartala, October 21, 2026
A series of reported thefts and snatching incidents across Tripura during the Durga Puja festivities has triggered concern among residents, with questions being raised over police vigilance and the security arrangements in residential and commercial areas during the festive season.
According to information received from various sources, at least 10/15 incidents of theft and snatching, ranging from minor to serious cases, have reportedly occurred in different parts of the state during the Puja period. The reported incidents include thefts from houses left unattended while families went out to visit pandals, as well as the theft of vehicle batteries, wheels and other valuables.
Among the reported cases, a major house burglary in Jangalia under Bishalgarh subdivision and two separate theft incidents in the Kishoreganj area under Kakraban police station have caused particular concern among local residents.
In a daring burglary, thieves allegedly broke into the house of Sujit Saha in the Jangalia area of Bishalgarh on Monday night while he and his family members were away visiting Durga Puja pandals in Udaipur.
According to the householder, the family had left home to enjoy the festive celebrations, expecting to return to a secure residence. However, when they arrived home later that night, they were shocked to discover that the door lock was missing.
Upon entering the house, the family found that the lock of a showcase had also been broken. The thieves allegedly escaped with approximately Rs 2.10 lakh in cash and between three and four bhori of gold ornaments.
The incident left the family distressed, as the valuables represented a substantial financial loss. Sujit Saha subsequently informed the police, who arrived at the scene following the report.
Speaking to journalists on Tuesday morning, Saha described the incident and expressed shock over the burglary. He said he had never expected his house to be targeted while the family was away celebrating Durga Puja.
The incident has renewed concerns among residents of Jangalia and neighbouring areas, where locals claim that thefts have been occurring repeatedly. Some residents have expressed dissatisfaction with what they perceive as inadequate preventive measures and have called for stronger action to identify and apprehend those responsible.
In another development, two separate theft incidents were reported from the Kishoreganj area under Kakraban police station on the night of Durga Puja Saptami, raising fresh concerns about security in the locality.
According to local sources, a theft occurred at a pump house near a brick kiln in the Kishoreganj area. In a separate incident the same night, thieves allegedly stole the battery and a wheel from an auto-rickshaw belonging to local resident Debashish Bhowmik.
The two incidents, reported within a short period and in nearby locations, reportedly caused anxiety among residents, who fear that unattended property could become an easy target during the festive season.
The incidents have also raised concerns about the security of vehicles and small businesses, particularly during the night when many residents are away from their homes to visit Puja pandals.
Details regarding the exact value of the stolen property, the registration of formal police cases and the identification of suspects were not available in the information provided.
Notably, Durga Puja is one of Tripura's most significant festivals, when families traditionally travel across towns and neighbourhoods to visit decorated pandals and participate in celebrations. However, reports of burglaries and thefts during this period have raised concerns among residents who must leave their homes unattended for several hours.
The reported incidents in Bishalgarh and Kakraban have highlighted the importance of effective policing not only in crowded festival areas but also in residential neighbourhoods, where houses may remain vacant during evening and night-time celebrations.
Residents have called for intensified night patrols, closer monitoring of suspicious movements and prompt investigations into reported thefts. They have also urged the police to take preventive measures in areas where repeated incidents have allegedly occurred.
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