A wave of terror swept through Tripura’s Unakoti district after armed miscreants unleashed violence in the Saidarpur–Shimultala area of Fatikroy, setting homes, shops, and vehicles ablaze. The sudden outbreak of arson and vandalism plunged the locality into chaos, forcing residents to flee in fear and triggering an immediate response from security forces.
According to eyewitnesses, the violence appeared to be well planned. A timber shop was completely gutted, while haystacks, several houses, and parked vehicles were set on fire. Shops were vandalized and stones hurled as clashes erupted, leaving multiple innocent residents injured. For hours, the area resembled a conflict zone, with thick smoke and panic gripping the neighborhood.
Security forces, including personnel from the Tripura State Rifles (TSR), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and Assam Rifles, were rushed to the spot. Police resorted to baton charges to disperse violent mobs, while drones were deployed for aerial surveillance to prevent further escalation. District Magistrate Dr. Tamal Majumdar and Acting Superintendent of Police Avinash Rai personally visited the affected area to supervise restoration of law and order.
To maintain control, the administration imposed Section 163, enforced a curfew, and suspended mobile internet services for 48 hours as a precautionary measure. Speaking to the media, SP Avinash Rai confirmed that at least ten people had been arrested so far. “The incident was deliberately orchestrated by miscreants. Security forces acted promptly, and strict action is being taken against those responsible,” he said.
Local sources indicated that the violence reportedly stemmed from a dispute over Puja donations, after a driver allegedly refused to pay the demanded amount. What began as a verbal argument quickly escalated into arson, assault, and group clashes.
Although authorities stated that the situation is now under control, tension continues to simmer. Police patrolling has been intensified, and officials have warned against attempts to give the incident a communal angle. The incident has once again raised serious concerns over extortion in the name of festival donations and public safety in the region.
