Agartala, Sept 26:
A youngster, identified as Deepak Shil, was brutally assaulted in Sidhai Mohanpur area after he allegedly exposed a human trafficking nexus operating in his locality. Shil, who recorded videos of Bangladeshi women being escorted across the border by touts, is currently undergoing treatment at GB Pant Hospital in Agartala.
According to local sources, Shil had captured evidence of Bangladeshi women crossing the international border illegally with the assistance of local touts. The racket is allegedly run by Mohanlal Sutradhar, Indrajit Sutradhar, and Gourajit Sutradhar of Satdubia village under Sidhai Mohanpur.
A few days ago, Shil reportedly caught the trio red-handed while they were escorting illegal immigrants who had entered the state without valid documents, violating border laws. He recorded the incident on video, which, according to sources, could serve as strong evidence against the traffickers.
On Thursday night, sensing the potential threat from the recordings, Mohanlal Sutradhar and his associates allegedly launched a violent attack on Shil’s residence. The youngster sustained serious injuries in the assault. Eyewitnesses claimed that Shil could have lost his life had local BJP activist Ujjwal Shil and his friend not intervened.
The attack left at least four people injured, including Ujjwal Shil, who also suffered wounds while trying to protect Deepak. The victim was later rushed to GB Pant Hospital for advanced medical care.
Local residents allege that Mohanlal Sutradhar is an influential figure in the area and is often seen in the company of political leaders. The incident has sparked outrage in the community, with demands for strict action against those involved in the trafficking racket as well as the attack on the whistleblower.