Kailashahar witnessed heightened tension on Friday after violent clashes broke out between two factions of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), allegedly over a dispute related to government contracts. The situation escalated rapidly, prompting police to intervene with a lathi charge and fire blank shots to disperse the mob.
According to local sources, BJP Kailashahar Mandal President Pritam Ghosh was assaulted by a group of people at Katal Dighir Par, under the jurisdiction of Kailashahar police station. During the unrest, the residence of BJP Yuva Morcha President Arup Dhar also reportedly came under attack. Several motorcycles and at least one residential dwelling were vandalised in the incident.
Sources said the clashes stemmed from a long-simmering rivalry between supporters of Ghosh and Dhar, who were reportedly at odds over a specific government tender. The dispute allegedly turned violent when both groups confronted each other in the area.
Speaking to media persons, Pritam Ghosh claimed that he had rushed to the spot after being informed by local residents about alleged harassment by miscreants. He further alleged that the situation deteriorated when his group was attacked upon arrival. Ghosh stated that a police complaint would be filed naming all those responsible for the assault, adding that no one involved would be spared.
Following reports of violence, Superintendent of Police of Unakoti district Sudhanbhika R, Sub-Divisional Police Officer Rahul A, and Officer-in-Charge of Kailashahar police station Tapash Malakar rushed to the scene. To bring the situation under control, police carried out a lathi charge and fired four blank rounds. A large contingent of police, Tripura State Rifles (TSR), and central force personnel were deployed to restore normalcy.
Addressing reporters, SDPO Rahul A said the clashes involved two rival groups and that emergency measures were taken in accordance with established procedures. He added that the exact cause of the violence was still under investigation, noting that both sides had levelled accusations against each other. No arrests had been made at the time of reporting, and police urged residents to remain calm and refrain from violence.
