Tripura, 23 Jan 2026: Tension gripped the heart of Kailashahar on Saraswati Puja afternoon after a sudden clash between two groups at the Katali Dighirpar area, turning the locality into a virtual battleground.
BJP Kailashahar Mandal president Pritam Ghosh was injured in the violence. The residence of BJP Yuva Morcha district president Arup Dhar was allegedly vandalised, while an undeclared office of the ruling party near Katali Dighi was set on fire. Several two-wheelers were also damaged.
To bring the situation under control, police resorted to lathi-charge and fired warning shots in the air. A heavy police contingent, TSR jawans and central forces were deployed. The spot was visited by Unakoti district Superintendent of Police Sudhambika R, Sub-Divisional Magistrate Rahul A, and Kailashahar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Tapas Malakar. The area continues to remain tense, with security forces maintaining a strict vigil.
Speaking to the media, Pritam Ghosh alleged that a group of youths had been creating disturbances in the area since the previous night, even as Saraswati Puja celebrations were underway nearby. He claimed they were armed with sharp weapons and sticks and issued threats, leading BJP workers to protest. According to him, the situation escalated into an attack, leaving several injured, including himself. Ghosh said complaints would be lodged with names identified from CCTV footage and warned that no one involved would be spared.
Meanwhile, Sub-Divisional Police Officer Rahul A said the situation was currently under control.
“For now, the situation is okay. We have taken emergency action as per procedure and deployed additional forces. Since today is a Puja day, we request everyone to maintain peace. If the problem escalates further, strict action will be taken,” he said.
The SDPO clarified that preliminary information suggests a clash between two groups, not political parties, and that the exact cause of the incident is still under investigation. No arrests had been made till the time of reporting, but police said strict action would follow against anyone found involved in illegal activities.
Authorities have appealed to residents to remain calm as investigations continue.
