Congress youth leader’s house attacked after he criticises Tripura Govt, police for alleged inaction against clashes on Bakrid

Agartala, Tripura – A shocking incident rocked Tripura late Saturday night as miscreants attacked the home of Congress youth leader Shahjahan Miah. The attack came shortly after he criticized the state government and police for their alleged failure to act during Bakrid-related violence.

Late-Night Assault in Shantipara

Miah, an active Congress leader in Agartala’s Shantipara area, had just returned from a party meeting when chaos broke out. A group of armed men surrounded his home around midnight. They smashed windows, broke furniture, and injured his parents and wife.

“I had just come home from the office. Suddenly, I heard shouting and saw men outside with sticks and guns,” said Miah. “They tried to break in. My family and I locked ourselves inside a room. My mother got hurt while stopping them.”

The attackers fled before police arrived. Officers reached the scene and recorded statements. However, authorities have not made any arrests yet.

What Sparked the Attack?

Hours before the assault, Miah had posted a video online. In it, he sharply criticized Tripura’s BJP-led government and accused the police of ignoring violence in Gomati district. The unrest was reportedly linked to cow slaughter rituals on Bakrid.

In the video, Miah said, “The government stayed silent. Police did nothing. Muslim leaders in the BJP are betraying their people.” He called for a social boycott of BJP-backed Muslim leaders.

The video quickly gained attention online. BJP supporters filed a complaint at East Agartala Police Station. They accused Miah of inciting hatred and disturbing communal harmony.

Congress Reacts Strongly

Top Congress leaders rushed to support Miah. Tripura Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) president Ashish Kumar Saha and veteran MLA Sudip Roy Barman visited his home.

“This is a political attack. It shows how voices of dissent are being silenced in Tripura,” said Barman. “The attackers are linked to people close to the Chief Minister. The police must arrest them immediately.”

He also questioned the lack of swift police action. “We’ve seen this pattern before. Opposition leaders are targeted, and the government does nothing,” he added.

BJP Denies Allegations

The BJP responded by denying any involvement. Party spokesperson Nabendu Bhattacharjee said Miah’s remarks were inflammatory. He claimed that the Congress was using the incident to create unrest.

“Our party does not support violence. We acted lawfully by filing a complaint against Miah. If someone attacked him, let the police investigate,” said Bhattacharjee.

Police Face Tough Questions

East Agartala Police said they are reviewing CCTV footage and eyewitness accounts. A senior officer confirmed that they are treating the case seriously.

However, critics argue that the police act slowly when opposition leaders face threats. In several previous cases, victims accused the force of siding with the ruling party.

Political Violence on the Rise

This attack adds to a growing list of violent incidents in Tripura. Political clashes have increased in recent years. In 2023, Congress leader Ajoy Kumar was attacked during election campaigning. Other opposition workers have also faced similar assaults.

Tripura has seen frequent tension between political parties. Several Congress and CPI(M) workers have been attacked or arrested in the past for protesting against the government.

Rights Groups Raise Alarm

Civil society organizations condemned the attack. Human rights lawyer Purnima Das said, “This is not just an assault on one person. It’s an attack on democracy and free speech.”

She urged the government to ensure an impartial investigation. “If the state fails to protect its citizens, it loses moral authority,” she added.

What Lies Ahead?

Shahjahan Miah remains shaken but determined. His family is recovering from the trauma. Meanwhile, Congress leaders plan to organize protests in Agartala to highlight the rising political violence.

They are also demanding a formal statement from Chief Minister Manik Saha and immediate arrests in the case.

As the investigation continues, the incident has sparked a larger debate about freedom of speech, political rivalry, and law enforcement in Tripura.