A disturbing incident in Tripura’s Sepahijala district has shocked the town of Bishramganj, where an alleged molestation of a tribal girl led to violent mob attacks. To control the situation, the district administration has imposed Section 144 in Bishramganj and nearby areas.According to police reports, the incident unfolded on the evening of August 5 when a young tribal woman, who is currently undergoing air hostess training in Guwahati, was traveling by bus from Agartala to Bishramganj. The girl was allegedly molested by a fellow passenger near Bishalgarh. Distressed and frightened, she got off the bus midway and immediately informed her family about the incident.
News of the alleged assault spread quickly in the locality, igniting widespread anger. A group of local youths, reportedly incensed by the incident, took matters into their own hands. They intercepted buses at Bishramganj, forcibly stopped the vehicles, and attacked the passengers. At least five buses were vandalized, their windows shattered, and several passengers were assaulted. As many as six people sustained injuries during the violence, according to police sources.“We have registered two separate First Information Reports (FIRs)—one pertaining to the molestation case and another concerning the subsequent mob violence,” confirmed Ajit Debbarma, Officer-in-Charge of Bishramganj Police Station. He added that investigations are ongoing and that, so far, no arrests have been made.The violent turn of events has left the residents of Bishramganj on edge, with many expressing concern over the fragile law and order situation. The sudden imposition of prohibitory orders by the district authorities has brought normal life to a standstill, with gatherings restricted and police patrolling intensified.
Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha condemned both the molestation incident and the violent response that followed. In a statement to the media, he appealed to citizens to refrain from giving communal or emotional colour to the situation. “We strongly condemn both the molestation and the retaliatory violence. Such incidents must be dealt with strictly through legal means. The police acted promptly, and we are confident that a fair investigation will uncover the truth,” Dr. Saha said.In a parallel development, Tipra Motha Party (TMP) chief Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma also weighed in on the issue, calling the situation in Bishramganj “alarming.” He took to social media to share his concern and urged all communities to come together in support of justice and peace.
