Supporters of ruling BJP and Congress came face to face at Routkhola under Sepahijala in Tripura on Wednesday (Nov 2) and sporadic clashes ensued in which at least seven persons including five fire fighters were injured while a fire tender was vandalized. A Congress party office at Naraura Panchayat area was set ablaze.
Police had to open blank fire and use tear gas shells to disperse the mob. It was also reported three bombs were hurled allegedly by Congress supporters.
Following the clashes, the Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Bishalgarh imposed a prohibitory order under section 144 Cr.P.C in and around the spot till 5 am of Thursday.
SP of Sepahijala district Bogati J. Reddy said situation was tense but under control. He also said adequate security personnel were deployed to avoid any further untoward incident.
Amidst blames and counter blames by the leaders of both parties, BJP local leaders accused Congress of creating disturbances in the area with the help of goons armed with weapons like pistol, bomb, machete and stick.
Refuting the BJP’s allegations, Congress leaders blamed BJP for initiating attacks on Congress supporters while they were putting up party flags for a party event.
Troubles started after BJP supporters came to know that some of the party flags were damaged by Congress supporters at Routkhola area. After the saffron party supporters reached the spot, the Congress workers led by Jahidul Haque and James Haque tried to launch an attack and a pistol was also seen in the possession of the duo, BJP activists alleged.
Soon the situation took a violent turn and one of the Congress supporters sustained injuries. This prompted the Congress workers to stage a road blockade on the by-pass road in protest. It was also alleged, in name of blockade, Congress men ran amok. .
In the meantime, SDPO Bishalgarh Rahul Das along with a large contingent of police reached the spot and tried to bring the situation under control but the efforts went in vain as the protest continued.
Amidst the impasse and simmering tension, Congress leader from Agartala Joydeb Barman went to the spot and reportedly created fresh unrest leading to another round of clash.
Finally, police fired tear gas shells and dispersed the mob.
Deputy Chief Minister Jishnu Dev Varma, BJP state president Rajib Bhattacharjee party’s state general secretary Tinku Roy and other leaders visited Bishalgarh in the evening. Condemning the attack, they demanded stern against the miscreants involved in the violence.