Agartala, January 1: An alleged attempt to disturb communal harmony was reported in Sonamura on New Year’s Eve after unidentified miscreants vandalized a Shani idol in the Tamsabari area. Police have launched an investigation and tightened security has been deployed in the area.
Superintendent of Police (SP) of Sepahijala district, Bogaty J Reddy, rushed to the spot late at night with additional forces deployed in the bordering areas, which have a mixed population.
The incident occurred in Ward No. 12 of Sonamura Nagar Panchayat under Sonamura police station.
Around 10 PM, local residents noticed that the Shani temple, located by the roadside, had been desecrated. They immediately alerted the police and municipal authorities.
Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) along with the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Sonamura police station and Vice Chairman of the Nagar Panchayat, Shahajan Mia—who is also the Ward No. 12 Commissioner—visited the site and urged residents to maintain peace. Authorities assured the restoration of the damaged idol and temple.
Later, SP Reddy also inspected the site and interacted with local youth. He assured strict action against the culprits and stated that Hindus and Muslims in Sonamura have historically coexisted peacefully.
“Even during the recent incidents of communal tensions in Tripura, Sonamura remained unaffected. However, it now appears that miscreants are trying to disrupt the peace through such evil designs. This will be dealt with strictly,” Reddy said.
The incident has raised concerns as it mirrors a similar episode a few months ago in West Tripura district, where the defacing of a Kali idol led to communal clashes. That incident resulted in the burning of more than a dozen houses and vehicles and left several police personnel injured.
Locals in Sonamura believe the vandalism is a deliberate attempt to provoke communal unrest and urged authorities to take strict measures to prevent escalation.
Tripura witnessed at least three communal clashes last year involving different religious groups and tribal versus non-tribal tensions in Dhalai, North Tripura, and West Tripura districts.
Authorities have promised a thorough investigation and restoration of the damaged temple while emphasizing efforts to preserve peace and communal harmony in the region.
