Sonamura, Aug 6:
In a chilling reminder of the deteriorating law and order situation in Tripura, a brutal dacoity in the remote town of Sonamura has sent shockwaves across the state. In the dead of night, a gang of 10 to 12 armed robbers broke into the house of an elderly couple, murdering the 80-year-old man and grievously injuring his 70-year-old wife with sharp weapons before fleeing the scene.
The horrific incident occurred in Ward No. 4 of the Kalomkhet Gram Panchayat area under Melaghar, within the jurisdiction of Sonamura subdivision. The deceased, Shantiranjan Das (80), was found tied up and beaten to death, while his wife Namita Das (70) was left critically injured and later rushed to GBP Hospital in Agartala.
According to initial reports, the couple lived alone in their home. Their three sons—one employed with TSR and two engaged in business in Agartala—were not present during the attack. The robbers reportedly tried to snatch gold ornaments from the elderly woman’s ear and neck. When the couple resisted, the gang unleashed a violent assault.
Upon receiving information early in the morning, Sonamura Police, led by the Sub-Divisional Police Officer and a large force, cordoned off the area and launched an investigation. Locals woke up to the horrifying sight and expressed deep fear and helplessness, questioning the effectiveness of the current law enforcement system.
The police have arrested three suspects from Kathalia Mura under Sonamura PS and are currently interrogating them. Authorities believe further information on the remaining gang members may emerge soon.
The gruesome incident has raised serious concerns about public safety, especially for elderly citizens living alone in rural Tripura.
