Agartala: May 29: Tension escalated in Khowai after a violent clash broke out over a power tussle related to PWD contracts. A contractor, Ankur Debnath, sustained serious injuries after being attacked by miscreants allegedly linked to a rival group.
According to eyewitnesses, Debnath and his partner Subhankar Ghosh went to the PWD office to collect the official work order for a construction project. While Ghosh entered the office, Debnath was ambushed outside the premises. The assailants, armed with iron rods and sharp weapons, launched a brutal attack, targeting Debnath’s legs.
The entire incident was captured on a mobile phone by Ghosh and his associate, Bishal Das. The attackers reportedly threatened them with dire consequences if they shared the footage with the police.
Both Debnath and Ghosh are known to be active members of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). In response to the attack, BJP workers held a press conference at the Khowai Mandal office, accusing the opposition CPIM of orchestrating the violence.
One BJP activist claimed, “We have identified the attackers and their vehicle from the video. The car belongs to Santanu Debbarma. The attackers include Kishan Deb, Ratan Das, and others—known CPIM supporters. We demand immediate and strict action.”
However, local sources offered a different version, stating that the accused are also believed to be BJP supporters. The two groups reportedly share a long-standing rivalry over the awarding of government contracts, particularly in the PWD sector.
The incident has intensified the already charged political atmosphere in the region. Police have not yet released an official statement, but an investigation is reportedly underway.
The attack has raised concerns about growing factionalism and political violence over state contracts in Tripura.
