Tripura, 10 Jan 2026: Shimultali area under Fatikroy Police Station in Unakoti district was gripped by severe communal violence on Friday, sending shockwaves across the region. What reportedly began as a minor dispute over donation collection soon escalated into large-scale arson, vandalism, and physical attacks, turning the area into a virtual battleground.
According to local sources, the first incident took place around 8:30 am when a group of miscreants stopped a tuk-tuk carrying construction materials meant for the work of a local mosque. When the matter was informed to local resident Mosabbir Ali, he rushed to the spot to inquire about the reason. It is alleged that the miscreants demanded donation money for a local fair. An argument broke out, which quickly turned violent. Mosabbir Ali and the tuk-tuk driver were reportedly brutally assaulted. He was later rushed to the hospital by local residents, where he is currently undergoing treatment.
Though locals were assured that the matter would be resolved, the situation took a far more dangerous turn shortly after. Allegedly, a group of miscreants regrouped and launched targeted attacks on houses belonging to a section of the Muslim community. Several houses were vandalized and set on fire. A mosque and a madrasa were allegedly torched, and serious allegations of desecration of the Holy Quran kept inside the mosque have also surfaced. One vehicle was completely burnt, and multiple Muslim men and women were reportedly assaulted during the violence.
The entire Shimultali area soon descended into chaos, with panic and fear spreading rapidly among residents. Families locked themselves inside their homes as flames and smoke were seen rising from different locations. What started as a dispute over a small amount of donation money turned into a full-scale communal clash within hours.
As the situation worsened, a massive police force led by Superintendent of Police Avinash Roy rushed to the spot along with fire and emergency services. Firefighters worked to douse the flames, while police were forced to fire shots in the air to disperse violent mobs and bring the situation under control, according to administrative sources.
District Magistrate Tamal Majumdar also reached the area to assess the situation. Prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) were imposed to prevent the gathering of crowds and further escalation. Additional police forces were deployed, and the entire area was placed under heavy security cover.
One injured person has been referred to the Unakoti District Hospital for advanced medical treatment. The police have confirmed that arrests have already begun and more detentions are expected as investigations progress.
Police officials said:
“Some people came and set fire outside a few houses. We immediately moved forces and dispersed the crowd. Section 163 BNS have been imposed. The crowd has now dispersed and the situation is peaceful. Heavy police movement is ongoing in the area. We will also conduct flag marches. The DM and I have visited the spot and the situation is under control.”
When asked about arrests, police stated that the process is underway and several people have already been taken into custody. Regarding damage, police said that they noticed fire outside two to three houses, mainly in grass and stored materials, which were promptly extinguished by the fire service.
To prevent the spread of rumours and inflammatory content through social media, the Office of the Superintendent of Police, Unakoti District, issued an official communication dated 10 January 2026, requesting the shutdown of all internet services in the Kumarghat Sub-Division for 48 hours, from 12:00 PM on 10.01.2026 to 12:00 PM on 12.01.2026.
In the letter addressed to the District Magistrate & Collector, Unakoti District, the Superintendent of Police stated that the decision was taken due to a “sudden and serious law and order situation at Fatikroy Police Station area arising out of communal violence” and that internet suspension was necessary as a precautionary measure to control the situation and restrict the spread of false propaganda and misleading messages. A copy of the letter was also forwarded to the Home Secretary, Home Department, Government of Tripura, for necessary action.
This confirms that the internet shutdown was implemented through proper administrative procedure in view of the gravity of the situation.
Currently, the entire Shimultali and surrounding areas remain under strict police surveillance. Heavy deployment of security forces continues, and flag marches are being planned to restore public confidence. The administration has assured that strict action will be taken against all those involved in the violence, irrespective of their identity or affiliation.
An investigation has been launched to identify the miscreants responsible for the arson, assaults, and destruction of religious places. Police have appealed to the public to maintain peace, avoid spreading rumours, and cooperate fully with law enforcement agencies.
Although the situation is now reported to be under control, tension still prevails in the area, and the administration remains on high alert to prevent any further flare-up of violence.
