The Tillabazar market area under Gournagar RD Block in Kailasahar was thrown into turmoil late Tuesday after a long-standing rivalry between contractor groups escalated into a violent confrontation, leaving five individuals injured and the town shaken.
The tensions reportedly began earlier in the day at the Public Works Department (PWD) office, where members of two rival contractor groups engaged in a heated argument over a disputed road construction tender. What started as a verbal altercation soon spiraled beyond control, culminating in open firing and vicious attacks with sharp weapons by evening.
According to local residents, panic gripped Tillabazar as armed men stormed the area, allegedly led by individuals identified as Tera Miya, Safat Mia, Imran Ali, and Sufian Ali. Shops quickly downed shutters as people fled for safety amid the chaos.
Police later recovered a car abandoned by one of the accused, Imran Ali. The vehicle contained multiple sharp weapons, which were seized as evidence. The car has been taken into custody at Irani Police Station, and police teams are working to trace the accused.
The injured—Abdul Samim, Abdul Hannan, Zakir Hossain, Safat Mia, and Hussain Ahmed—were immediately rushed to Unakoti District Hospital. Doctors confirmed that four of the five are in critical condition and will be transferred to GB Pant Hospital in Agartala for advanced medical care.
In an effort to restore order, additional police forces along with TSR personnel have been deployed at both the hospital and the Tillabazar area. Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Rughul A confirmed the violent clash, stating that the situation has been brought under control but remains under strict surveillance.
Meanwhile, fear and frustration have spread across Kailasahar, with residents blaming administrative negligence and political indifference for the growing contractor-related conflicts. Locals warn that unless stringent action is taken, such violence could further destabilize the region.
