Tripura, 10 Jan 2026: A major fire broke out at the residence of All India Kisan Sabha and CPI(M) leader Samir Das on 8 Jan Night. The incident occurred in Maitreema (Mithir Mia para) under West Kuchaichhara Gram Panchayat of Kamalpur subdivision in Dhalai district. The fire is suspected to be an act of arson, as locals reported a strong smell of petrol before the flames were noticed.
At the time of the incident, a kirtan programme was being held in a nearby room of the house, with around 20–25 people present. Family members and participants suddenly sensed the smell of petrol and soon discovered that a room near the main entrance gate had caught fire. They immediately raised an alarm, and villagers rushed to the spot to help. The Fire and Emergency Services were informed, and a fire tender was dispatched.
Due to the prompt action of local residents, four cattle were saved from the blaze. However, before the fire brigade arrived, extensive damage had already occurred. Initial estimates put the loss at around ₹25 lakh, while Samir Das later stated that the total damage could be close to ₹50 lakh, as one building, tin sheds, household items and stored materials were completely destroyed.
Samir Das said that the fire was clearly the result of sabotage, as the smell of petrol was evident. He added that villagers, including members of different communities, came forward to help and tried their best to control the fire and save belongings, but one entire structure was fully damaged.
Notably, this is not the first such incident involving Samir Das and his family. Earlier, miscreants had allegedly destroyed crops on his farmland on at least 14 occasions. His shop, “Manik Bhandar,” was vandalised and looted in broad daylight in the past, forcing it to remain closed permanently. There have also been incidents of poisoning fish in his ponds and repeated attacks on his agricultural fields, destroying vegetables and crops.
This morning, CPI(M) Dhalai District Secretary Anjan Das visited the spot and inspected the damaged property. Addressing the media, he alleged that the arson was a deliberate and criminal act. He said locals had smelled petrol when the fire was set and warned that, had the villagers not acted in time, there could have been loss of lives and cattle.
Anjan Das expressed serious concern over what he termed the failure of the administration. He stated that although the Kamalpur police station was informed last night (8Jan), by around 9 am today (9 Jan) there was still no visible presence of police officials at the site. He called it an example of “shameful negligence” on the part of the administration.
He further said that since 2018, after the change in government, Samir Das’s family has been repeatedly targeted through attacks on their livelihood, property and crops. “Farmers work tirelessly to sustain their families, but their means of survival are being destroyed again and again. This is an attack not just on one family, but on democracy and peace in Tripura,” he added.
Anjan Das appealed to people of all communities, irrespective of caste, religion or political affiliation, to stand united against such acts of violence and intimidation. He urged the police and intelligence agencies to identify the culprits and ensure strict punishment, stating that only then peace and a democratic environment could be restored in the state.
The incident has triggered widespread anger among local residents, who are demanding immediate investigation and strong action against those responsible.
