Agartala: Hundreds of protesters blocked the Assam-Agartala national highway at Briddhinagar, Ranirbazar, on Thursday morning, demanding the release of five individuals arrested by Tripura Police for their alleged involvement in vandalism and arson on the night of August 25.
The protesters claimed that all those arrested were from the Hindu community and were innocent, calling for their immediate release. The arrests followed a violent incident in Kaiturabari village, where a frenzied mob torched several houses belonging to the Muslim community, looted shops, and set vehicles ablaze after a Kali idol was found defaced at a local temple.
In response to the unrest, the state administration imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the BNSS and deployed a significant number of security forces in vulnerable areas. The police initiated a suo motu FIR and launched an investigation into the violence.
Speaking to reporters, Superintendent of Police (West Tripura) Kiran Kumar confirmed the arrests, stating, “Five persons have been arrested on Monday night. Peeved at the arrests, locals of the area staged a road blockade on the national highway. The blockade was cleared and the vehicles stranded on both sides have been allowed to move”
When asked if any arrests had been made concerning the temple desecration, Kumar said, “We are collecting information, and the investigation is progressing based on that.”
The blockade caused significant public inconvenience, with thousands of vehicles stranded on both sides of the protest site. Transport Minister Sushanta Chowdhury, upon being informed, rushed to the scene to engage with the protesters. However, he faced resistance as the demonstrators initially refused to disperse.
“This government is for all. None of you are members of the opposition parties. Such protests would malign the image of the government. The whole traffic through the road has arrived at a grinding halt causing severe public inconvenience,” Chowdhury told the protesters.
Addressing the issue of the temple desecration, the Minister assured the protesters, “I will construct a new temple over there. Police have taken steps as per the law and certainly steps would be taken to arrest the persons who are involved in the temple desecration as well.”
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After some initial resistance, the protesters eventually agreed to lift the blockade. One of the agitators explained their stance, stating, “A few days ago, a Kali idol was defaced in Kaiturabari village. Instead of arresting those responsible, the police detained five members of the Hindu community. We demand their immediate release. If they are not released, we will continue our protest.”
He also claimed that two people of the Hindu community suffered injuries during the clash that erupted on August 25 night.
A brief protest was also held in front of the local police station, echoing the same demands.
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