Agartala, September 7, 2026: Two men from Bihar were arrested in Agartala after a joint operation by Tripura Police and Assam Rifles led to the recovery of two 9mm pistols, three magazines and eight rounds of ammunition, raising security concerns ahead of the crucial Village Committee elections under the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC).
NCC Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Subrata Barman said the operation was conducted by personnel of NCC Police Station and Assam Rifles in the Shalbagan area during the intervening night of Sunday and Monday, following specific intelligence inputs.
According to police, the two suspects were intercepted while travelling from Dumdumia towards Shalbagan. A search of their possession led to the recovery of the firearms, magazines and ammunition. The seizure was carried out in the presence of an Executive Magistrate.
Following the recovery, a case was registered at NCC Police Station and both men were taken into custody. During preliminary questioning, the accused reportedly told police that they had come to Tripura from Bihar for business purposes. However, investigators have not yet ascertained why they were carrying firearms or whether they had any links to criminal or other activities in the state.
Barman said the accused would be produced before the competent court, with police seeking five days’ remand for detailed interrogation. Police are also verifying their previous records and have circulated their details to other police stations to determine whether they have any prior criminal cases.
The recovery assumes significance as Tripura prepares for the September 28 Village Committee elections under the TTAADC. With political activity intensifying in the tribal areas, security agencies have stepped up vigilance to prevent any disruption during the electoral process.
Police are continuing their investigation into the source and intended use of the weapons and are examining whether the two arrested men have any wider connections in Tripura. Further details are expected to emerge after their interrogation and completion of the background verification.
