Tripura, March 2: In a shocking incident, a vehicle carrying contraband Phensedyl was looted in broad daylight at Charilam Bazar under Bishalgarh subdivision, leaving several people injured and triggering panic in the area.
According to reports, a Max cargo vehicle bearing registration number TR01D3844 was transporting a large consignment of Phensedyl, estimated to be worth around ₹15 lakh, from Sonamura towards an unknown destination. The vehicle was allegedly intercepted near the Bishalgarh bypass by a group identified as the Bhuttu gang.
The gang reportedly blocked the road using two vehicles in an attempt to stop the cargo vehicle. However, the driver tried to escape by speeding away, damaging several vehicles in the process. The gang then chased the vehicle.
The chase ended at Charilam Bazar, where the gang managed to stop the vehicle. The attackers allegedly looted the contraband and assaulted the driver with knives. Eyewitnesses said the assailants were armed with firearms and other sharp weapons, creating widespread panic among locals.
Following the incident, Additional Superintendent of Police Rajib Sutradhar, along with a large contingent from Bishalgarh Police Station, rushed to the spot. By the time police arrived, most of the attackers had fled the scene.
However, locals managed to apprehend one suspect, identified as Sumit Saha of Jangalia, Bishalgarh, who was later handed over to the police. The police have seized the vehicle and taken the detained individual into custody.
The injured driver was shifted to Bishalgarh Sub-Divisional Hospital, where he is currently undergoing treatment.
Notably, questions have been raised over law enforcement preparedness, as the Phensedyl-laden vehicle reportedly passed through areas with traffic police and police presence without being intercepted.
Police have launched an investigation into the incident and are conducting raids to nab the remaining accused.
