A violent mob clash in Tripura's Unakoti district on Saturday left five people with minor injuries and set at least four shops on fire. The incident, which erupted in the Shimultala area of Fatikroy, stemmed from an alleged attempt to extort money from a truck driver transporting timber.
Sequence of Events: From Extortion Demand to Violence
The trouble began around 10 am on Saturday when a truck carrying what was reported to be smuggled timber was stopped by members of a local club. They allegedly demanded money from the driver, identified as a 'Momin', citing a festival. When the driver refused to pay, a heated argument broke out.
The driver subsequently contacted his employer, who then reportedly sent another group of men to the spot to secure the truck's release. This intervention led to direct clashes between the two groups, resulting in injuries on both sides. The situation quickly spiraled out of control as local residents in Shimultala reacted violently, setting several houses ablaze.
Massive Security Deployment and Administrative Action
In response to the escalating violence, a large contingent of police, Tripura State Rifles (TSR), Assam Rifles, and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel was rushed to the area. Unakoti District Magistrate Tamal Mujumdar and Superintendent of Police Abinash Rai personally visited the spot to assess the situation and oversee operations.
To prevent the spread of rumors and further escalation, the district administration took the decisive step of ordering the suspension of internet services in the area for two days. Additional security forces were deployed and patrols were intensified across Fatikroy, Kumarghat, and the crucial corridor linking Agartala with northern Tripura.
Political Response and Calls for Calm
Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Minister Sudhangshu Das, who is also the MLA from Fatikroy, traveled from Agartala to the incident site. He addressed the media, emphasizing the criminal nature of the event and cautioning against attempts to give it a communal twist.
"A vested interest group is trying to add a communal colour, though it was purely a criminal incident," stated Minister Das. He further added, "However, we have alerted the citizens of both communities to be vigilant and not to fall prey to the evil design." Authorities confirmed that several arrests have been made in connection with the violence.
While the situation in Unakoti district remained tense through the day, officials reported that it was brought under control due to the heavy security presence. The focus now is on maintaining peace and preventing any recurrence of violence.
