Prohibitory orders have been put in place in Bishramganj and surrounding areas in Tripura’s Sepahijala district after a series of disturbing incidents unfolded involving the alleged molestation of a tribal girl and subsequent mob violence that left multiple people injured, police confirmed on Wednesday.
The incident reportedly began on Tuesday evening when a tribal girl, who is currently training to become an air hostess in Guwahati, was traveling from Agartala to Bishramganj by bus. The girl was allegedly molested by a fellow passenger near Bishalgarh, prompting her to disembark from the bus and inform her parents.
Following this, a group of local youths reportedly stopped the bus at Bishramganj, assaulted passengers, and damaged the vehicle, causing panic in the area. Police stated that a total of five buses were attacked, resulting in injuries to five to six passengers.
“We have lodged two FIRs—one related to the molestation incident and the other concerning the violent mob attacks on bus passengers,” said Ajit Debbarma, Officer-in-Charge of Bishramganj Police Station. No arrests have been made thus far.
Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha condemned both incidents and announced the imposition of prohibitory orders under Section 144 CrPC in and around Bishramganj to prevent further unrest.
“We strongly denounce both the molestation incident and the retaliatory violence. It is not wise to politicize or sensationalize such events. The police acted swiftly to control the situation, and we believe the truth will emerge through a fair investigation,” CM Saha told the media.
Meanwhile, Tipra Motha Party (TMP) leader Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma expressed concern over the events in Bishramganj, labeling them as “alarming” in a social media post.
“This is not about tribal versus non-tribal. It is about the violation of a woman’s dignity, and such actions should not be tolerated, regardless of community,” Debbarma stated. He condemned the mob violence, stressing that vigilantism has no place in a civilized society.
“I have personally spoken to the victim and her mother, assuring them of full support. I also contacted the DGP, who assured me that the rule of law will prevail. Violence only divides; it never resolves issues,” he added.
