Agartala, Jan 10: Violent clashes over alleged donation collection for the upcoming Bhairab Mela rocked parts of Fatikroy in Tripura’s Unako...
Agartala, Jan 10: Violent clashes over alleged donation collection for the upcoming Bhairab Mela rocked parts of Fatikroy in Tripura’s Unakoti district on Friday, prompting authorities to impose prohibitory orders and suspend mobile internet services for 48 hours.
The unrest erupted in the Saidarpara–Shimultala area under Fatikroy police station after a dispute between mela organising committee members and timber vehicle owner Mosabbir Ali spiralled out of control near the mela site on Kanchanbari Main Road.
According to officials, the argument quickly escalated into clashes between rival groups, leading to arson, vandalism and assaults. Mobs allegedly blocked roads, torched shops and pelted stones, triggering panic among local residents. A timber shop was gutted, haystacks outside several houses were set ablaze, and multiple vehicles and residential buildings were damaged. Several civilians sustained injuries.
Security forces, including Tripura State Rifles, CRPF and Assam Rifles, were deployed to bring the situation under control. Police resorted to a mild lathi-charge to disperse the mob and used drones for aerial surveillance of the affected areas.
District Magistrate Dr Tamal Majumder and SP in-charge Avinash Rai visited the spot to assess the situation. Prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita were enforced, while mobile internet services across Unakoti district were suspended to prevent the spread of rumours.
SP Rai alleged that “anti-social elements deliberately entered the area and carried out arson and vandalism,” adding that several arrests have been made and further action is underway.
Officials said the situation is currently under control, though tension remains. Patrolling has been intensified, and strict action has been warned against any attempt to spread misinformation or incite further violence.
