Baidyardighi, Tripura (March 18, 2025):
A heated altercation over the sale of expired cold drinks at a fast-food stall in Baidyardighi market escalated into a violent clash involving multiple individuals, leaving several injured. The incident, which occurred during the holy month of Ramadan, has triggered police action and counter-complaints, with authorities working to bring the situation under control.
Expired Cold Drinks Spark Market Uproar
The controversy began when Ayub Khan and a group of young men purchased cold drinks worth ₹500 from a fast-food shop in Baidyardighi market for their Iftar meal. After consuming the beverages, they noticed that all the drinks were long past their expiration date. Disturbed by the discovery, they returned to the shop demanding an explanation.
However, upon realizing the gravity of the situation, the shop owner fled the scene in fear, leaving the customers enraged. Witnessing the commotion, Jamal Hossain, the owner of a nearby shop space, intervened, leading to a heated exchange that quickly turned violent.
Violence Erupts in Baidyardighi Market
As tempers flared, Ayub Khan and his group allegedly attacked Jamal Hossain, assaulting him indiscriminately. The sudden outbreak of violence sent shockwaves across the Baidyardighi market, creating chaos and panic among other vendors and shoppers.
Shortly after, Jamal Hossain’s family members retaliated, storming into the residences of the accused individuals and launching a counter-attack. Women and other family members were reportedly assaulted, escalating the violence further.
Firefighters & Police Rush to Control Situation
As the situation spiraled out of control, fire department personnel rushed to the scene to rescue the injured individuals, including women and elderly victims. The injured were immediately taken to Vishalgarh Sub-Divisional Hospital, with one woman in critical condition later transferred to Hapaniya Hospital for advanced treatment.
Upon receiving reports of the violent clash, Vishalgarh police swiftly arrived at the location, dispersing the unruly crowd and restoring order.
Legal Action and Counter-Complaints Filed
Following the incident, both parties lodged complaints at Vishalgarh Police Station, leading to an ongoing investigation into the altercation and the sale of expired food products. Authorities are now probing the fast-food shop for potential violations of food safety regulations, while also looking into charges of assault and property damage.
Market Tension Lingers as Investigation Continues
Despite police intervention, tensions remain high in Baidyardighi market, with fears of further retaliation. Local authorities have stepped up surveillance in the area to prevent any further escalation and ensure public safety.
The incident has also raised serious concerns about food safety violations in local markets, prompting calls for strict regulatory checks to prevent similar disputes in the future.
As the investigation unfolds, police are expected to take legal action against those responsible for the violence, while health officials may conduct inspections of food vendors in the region to ensure compliance with safety standards.
