Agartala, June 24: A Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and local club secretary was allegedly brutally murdered in West Tripura district, triggering widespread public outrage and retaliatory violence in the area, police said on Tuesday.
The deceased has been identified as Samir Das, a resident of Kathaltali village in West Tripura district.
According to police, Das was allegedly attacked and killed by two assailants late on Monday night while returning home after attending a social function.
West Tripura Superintendent of Police Namit Pathak told ANI that two persons have been arrested in connection with the case.
“A person identified as Samir Das was murdered on Monday midnight when he was returning home after attending an invitation. Two people have been arrested for their alleged involvement in the case. The motive for the murder will be known during the investigation,” he said.
Following the killing, anger erupted in Kathaltali village, leading to unrest. According to police, a group of women initially attempted to attack the residence of Swapan Sutradhar, the elder brother of one of the accused, Mithun Sutradhar. However, police and CRPF personnel intervened and prevented them from entering the premises.
Hours later, hundreds of villagers gathered again and set the house on fire. Fire service personnel managed to bring the blaze under control, preventing major damage.
“Hours later, hundreds of villagers assembled again in front of Swapan’s residence and set his house on fire, but the damage was minimal due to the timely intervention by the fire brigade personnel. Now the situation is under control,” SP Pathak said.
In view of rising tensions, families of the accused have been shifted to safer locations as a precautionary measure. Officer-in-Charge of Amatali Police Station Paritosh Das confirmed that security has been tightened in the area.
Police have launched a detailed investigation into the murder, while additional forces have been deployed to maintain law and order. Authorities said the situation is currently under control, though tension continues in the locality.
