Agartala, Sep 6 — Tension erupted at Shantir Bazar railway station late Friday night after locals detained two Nigerian nationals on suspicion. The incident occurred when an autorickshaw driver from Belonia arrived at the station to take the foreigners to Belonia. Local drivers and residents, finding the situation unusual, grew suspicious and stopped them.
Soon, a crowd gathered, and the two Nigerian nationals were held by the locals. Upon receiving the news, Shantir Bazar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Raju Dutta and Sub-Inspector Samir Biswas rushed to the spot. Police rescued the two men from the mob and took them to the police station for questioning.
During preliminary inquiry, police found both Nigerians in possession of valid passports and visas. However, officers are still investigating their exact purpose of visit and intended destination in South Tripura. “We are verifying the authenticity of their documents and questioning them about their activities,” police officials said.
The autorickshaw driver who came from Belonia to pick them up has also been detained for interrogation, as police attempt to determine whether he had any links with the foreigners beyond providing transport.
Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Bappi Debbarma later briefed the media, confirming that the two Nigerians are under questioning and further investigation is underway.
Meanwhile, the incident has sparked local concerns about the lack of Government Railway Police (GRP) presence at Shantir Bazar station. Residents alleged that in the absence of railway security, the station is increasingly being used for suspicious and illegal activities. “Had there been GRP presence, such incidents might not occur,” locals claimed.
Authorities are now under pressure to strengthen security at the station to prevent misuse and ensure passenger safety.
