Traffic ASI Allegedly Dragged Away on SUV Bonnet After Checkpoint Stop in Agartala; Police Launch Manhunt
Agartala, July 8: A shocking incident unfolded in the heart of Agartala on Wednesday evening when a traffic police officer was allegedly dragged away by the driver of an SUV after attempting to stop the vehicle during routine traffic duty at Battala.
According to police, Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Biplab Dutta was on traffic duty at around 5:00 PM near Battala along with two other personnel when a Bolero SUV (Registration No. TR 03 N 0775) was seen being driven in a dangerous manner, reportedly endangering pedestrians.
A traffic constable signalled the vehicle to stop, but the driver ignored the instruction. ASI Biplab Dutta then intercepted the SUV and began checking the vehicle’s documents using an e-challan device. At that moment, the driver allegedly accelerated suddenly.
Police said the officer climbed onto the vehicle’s bonnet in an attempt to protect himself from being run over. The SUV then sped away towards the Howrah Bridge before changing direction. Local residents and shopkeepers reportedly chased the vehicle.
The driver allegedly brought the SUV near the steel bridge in front of the Forest Office at Pratapgarh and applied the brakes abruptly, causing the officer to be thrown off the vehicle. The suspect then fled the scene.
Officer-in-Charge Dulal Chandra Dutta said the police have identified the vehicle through its registration number and have alerted police stations across the state to trace and apprehend the driver. The motive behind the incident remains unknown and will become clear only after the accused is arrested, he added.
ASI Biplab Dutta sustained injuries to his waist and right hand and was taken to IGM Hospital for medical examination and treatment.
A formal case has been registered based on the complaint filed by ASI Biplab Dutta. Police have launched an investigation and a search operation to locate the accused driver.
