Agartala, January 14: At least three people were injured, including one critically, after a rural fair on the eve of Poush Sankranti at Battali in Sonamura sub-division of Sepahijala district in Tripura, turned violent over allegations of inappropriate behavior involving a tribal girl and a non-tribal boy.
The incident unfolded in the early hours of Tuesday when a group of tribal youths reportedly attacked the non-tribal youth accused of misconduct.
Tensions escalated rapidly, prompting police and Tripura State Rifles personnel to intervene. A mild baton charge was carried out to rescue the victim, during which two others sustained injuries and several shops were ransacked.
All three injured individuals were initially taken to a local health center. One of them, whose condition was deemed critical, was referred to GBP Hospital in Agartala for advanced treatment.
While police have initiated an investigation, they have not received any formal complaints of eve-teasing related to the incident.
This is not the first time such violence has marred local fairs. Last year, during a fair at Gandatwisa under Dhalai district of Tripura led to the mob lynching of a tribal youth, who later succumbed to his injuries. The aftermath saw widespread communal violence, with hundreds of homes and shops burned, leaving many homeless and financially devastated.
Authorities are on high alert to prevent a repeat of last year’s tragic consequences. Security has been intensified in the area to maintain peace and order during the festival.
