Five people sustained injuries in an alleged attack at a house in Induria village under Sonamura police station in the Sepahijala District of Tripura on Friday (September 18) night. The incident took place during Vishwakarma Puja celebrations.
The injured persons are undergoing treatment at the Sonamura Sub-Divisional Hospital. A written complaint has been filed at Sonamura police station against the alleged attackers.
The complaint also alleges that two women faced sexual harassment during the incident.
Key Takeaways:
- Five men sustained injuries and are receiving treatment at Sonamura Sub-Divisional Hospital.
- A written complaint names 11 people and alleges an assault involving sharp weapons, iron rods and sticks.
- The complainant has alleged a political dimension ahead of the upcoming village committee elections.
Police from Sonamura police station visited the site after the incident. Officials from Sepahijala district police also reportedly reached the area and began a preliminary inquiry.
Loudspeaker Dispute Preceded Violence
According to the complaint, Nani Debbarma’s family organised Vishwakarma Puja at their residence in Noabari Para of Induria village.
Several people gathered at the house for the celebrations. The family also used a loudspeaker during the puja.
The complaint states that neighbours Abu Mia and Rahul Mia objected to the loudspeaker several times during Friday. The dispute continued through the day.
The situation reportedly escalated at night when the programme was nearing its end. Some people were still at the house and were taking prasad when a group allegedly entered the premises.
The complaint alleges that the group carried sharp weapons and attacked people inside the house.
Five Men Sustain Injuries
Bani Kanya Noatia, wife of Nani Debbarma, filed the complaint at Sonamura police station. She alleged that Abu Mia, Rahul Mia and Abdul Ali led the group.
According to the complaint, the attackers allegedly assaulted men at the house. It also alleges that the complainant and another woman faced sexual harassment.
Nani Debbarma, Duryodhan Debbarma, Suryadhan Debbarma, Prabhat Debbarma and Jaistha Mohan Debbarma suffered injuries.
The complaint alleges that the attackers used sharp weapons, iron rods and sticks. The five injured men reportedly fell in the courtyard with bleeding injuries.
The incident created panic at the house. Neighbours reached the spot after hearing the commotion. The attackers allegedly fled when local residents began arriving.
The complaint also alleges that the attackers used abusive language and made provocative remarks about the injured persons.
Complaint Raises Political Allegations
The complaint has also alleged a political dimension to the incident.
Village committee elections in areas under the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council are due shortly. Nani Debbarma is reportedly contesting the election as a BJP candidate.
According to the complaint, candidates from both the BJP and Tipra Motha have submitted nomination papers in the village.
The complaint alleges that Abu Mia and Rahul Mia are associated with Tipra Motha activities. It further claims that the political differences between the candidates contributed to tensions in the locality.
The complainant has alleged that the loudspeaker dispute may have served as the immediate trigger for the incident. She has also alleged that people from neighbouring areas were brought to the location before the attack.
These political allegations have not been independently verified.
Police Begin Preliminary Inquiry
Bani Kanya Noatia has named 11 people in the written complaint and provided their addresses. She has also alleged that several other people took part in the attack.
Police visited the scene after the incident and began a preliminary inquiry. The authorities are expected to examine the allegations and establish the circumstances surrounding the violence.
The incident has created tension in the area ahead of the village committee elections. Further police action will depend on the findings of the investigation and the evidence gathered in the case.
