Agartala, July 10: Tripura Police have seized a Maruti Suzuki Baleno allegedly involved in the assault on a traffic assistant sub-inspector, while the driver accused of dragging the officer on the vehicle’s bonnet remains absconding.
The car (registration number TR03M0775) was traced and seized with the help of CCTV footage as part of the investigation into Wednesday’s incident involving Traffic ASI Biplab Datta.
According to police, the officer was dragged on the bonnet of the moving vehicle from Battala to the steel bridge over the Howrah river embankment after attempting to stop the car, triggering widespread concern over the safety of traffic personnel on duty.
Inspector General (Law and Order) Monchak Ippar visited West Agartala Police Station on Thursday to review the progress of the investigation. He directed officers to intensify efforts to trace the driver by obtaining the vehicle’s ownership details from the Transport Department and identifying the accused through the registered owner.
Describing the incident as a serious offence, the IG said the case could be treated as an attempt to murder. He added that appropriate provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) would be invoked once the accused is arrested. Police said the investigation is being carried out based on the FIR lodged by ASI Biplab Datta.
Officials said the seizure of the vehicle marks a significant breakthrough in the case, but efforts are continuing to apprehend the driver. Senior police officers also noted that the incident highlights the need for stronger protection and safety measures for traffic personnel while enforcing traffic regulations.
