Agartala, September 28: A Tipra Motha candidate was injured in an alleged firing incident during polling for Village Committees under the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) in Gomati district on Monday, with two others also sustaining injuries, Chief Minister Manik Saha said.
The incident took place at Warengbari under the R K Pur police station, Saha said, adding that he received information about it shortly before addressing a press conference at the BJP state office in Agartala.
“One person has been seriously injured and two others have also been injured. All three have been shifted to hospital,” Saha said, adding that he was awaiting a detailed report from the authorities.
The injured Tipra Motha candidate was identified in local reports as Khachindra Reang, also referred to as Patitra or Patindra Reang. Police said he suffered a gunshot or bullet-like injury and was shifted to Gomati District Hospital in Udaipur, where his condition was reported to be stable. Two other persons were also injured in the incident.
According to police, the incident occurred around 2 pm near Warengbari during polling. Additional security personnel were rushed to the area and an investigation was launched to determine the circumstances leading to the alleged firing and identify those involved.
The incident triggered tension in the area, with reports of local residents blocking roads and demanding action against those responsible. Senior police officials and additional security personnel reached the spot to control the situation.
Saha said the Superintendent of Police, a Deputy Superintendent of Police and additional police personnel had reached the area.
“Except for one incident, I have just heard about, voting has taken place well,” the chief minister said.
He said the overall polling percentage had reached 72.5 per cent by 4 pm, although voting was continuing at some places.
Polling for the Village Committees began at 7 am and was conducted through ballot papers across the TTAADC areas. The election covers 587 Village Committees and 4,597 seats, with polling held for the seats where contests remained after withdrawals and uncontested victories.
The State Election Commission had earlier said polling was proceeding in an orderly manner, with extensive security arrangements including deployment of central forces, Tripura Police and Tripura State Rifles.
Monday’s election marked the return of elected Village Committees after about a decade. Counting of votes is scheduled for October 5.
