Agartala, June 4: Tension gripped the Nagerjala Motor Stand in Agartala on Wednesday after a violent clash broke out between two rival groups of transport workers, leaving several people injured. The incident triggered chaos at one of the city’s busiest transport hubs, with both sides accusing each other of instigating the violence.
According to sources, the confrontation began when a section of transport workers staged a protest by blocking the main entrance of the motor stand. The protesters were reportedly demanding better facilities and improved infrastructure at the stand, alleging that long-standing grievances had remained unaddressed.
The situation escalated when another group of transport workers opposed the move to shut down the motor stand during the protest. An argument between the two sides soon turned violent, resulting in a physical clash that left multiple persons injured. While the exact number of injured individuals could not be immediately confirmed, witnesses said several workers sustained injuries during the altercation.
Litan Kar, secretary of the West Tripura district unit of the All Tripura Autorickshaw Sramik Sangha, affiliated with the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangha (BMS), alleged that he was assaulted by a group of 40 to 50 individuals during the protest.
Kar claimed that the attack was carried out at the instigation of local corporator Abhijit Mallik. He further alleged that transport workers associated with his organisation had previously faced intimidation and attacks by members of the rival group. According to Kar, police personnel arrived at the scene after being informed and rescued him from the spot.
He also alleged that certain individuals connected with the management of the motor stand were involved in illegal levy collection and that drivers often faced pressure and harassment if they refused to pay.
The Nagerjala Motor Stand is managed by a society headed by corporator Abhijit Mallik. Rejecting all allegations, Mallik termed the accusations baseless and denied any involvement in the incident.
“The allegations are completely unfounded. The person making these claims is known for creating disturbances, and several criminal cases are pending against him,” Mallik said.
Police have not yet issued an official statement regarding the clash. An investigation is expected to determine the circumstances that led to the violence and identify those responsible.
