Mentally challenged man held for trying to burn plastic waste on railway track in Tripura

Agartala, Tripura — June 26, 2025:
Authorities in Tripura detained a mentally challenged man after he tried to set plastic waste on fire on a railway track near Agartala. The incident happened on Wednesday near Jogendranagar station, which connects several key trains in the region.

Railway Workers Stop a Potential Disaster

A team of railway workers spotted the man near the track while performing routine checks. They saw him collecting and piling plastic waste, then trying to ignite it using a matchstick. Smoke started to rise, but the workers quickly intervened and stopped the fire before it caused damage.

They handed the man over to the Government Railway Police (GRP). Officials later confirmed that train schedules were not affected.

Quick Action Prevented Major Risks

Railway Protection Force (RPF) Inspector Ratan Das praised the alertness of the inspection team.

“Any fire near the tracks can disrupt services or damage infrastructure. The team acted at the right time,” he said.

The collected waste included plastic bags, wrappers, and packaging. Officials believe the man had gathered it from nearby garbage spots, unaware of the risk he was creating.

Signs of Mental Illness Prompt Medical Response

Police said the man appeared disoriented and did not respond to basic questions. Medical experts from the state mental health authority were called for an evaluation. They confirmed signs of untreated mental illness.

Dr. Sunita Debbarma, a psychiatrist at Agartala Government Medical College, explained the situation.

“This is not a criminal act. It’s a case of mental illness. He needs medical care, not punishment,” she said.

The police did not file formal charges. Authorities transferred the man to a state-run mental health facility for further care.

Plastic Burning Near Tracks Raises Alarm

Apart from the human angle, the incident revealed another issue—plastic waste near railway tracks. In many Indian states, including Tripura, people throw garbage along rail lines. Fires caused by such waste can damage signals, melt wires, or even start track-side fires.

Environmental activist Sougata Roy from the Tripura Pollution Watch Group spoke about the risks.

“Burning plastic is dangerous. It releases toxic fumes and endangers both people and infrastructure,” he said.

Despite efforts by Indian Railways to reduce waste near tracks, the problem continues. Limited manpower and public awareness add to the challenge.

Call for Better Safety and Support

Railway officials have suggested installing CCTV cameras and conducting regular patrols in sensitive zones. They believe better surveillance will prevent similar incidents in the future.

District Magistrate Abhishek Singh has launched a local inquiry. He wants to know how the man accessed the track and where the plastic came from.

Social workers also want more resources for people with mental illnesses. Many such individuals roam without treatment or shelter, especially in rural Tripura.

Rina Paul, a volunteer with the NGO Manab Sneha, urged the government to act.

“We must build safe shelters and outreach programs. Without help, mentally ill people can unintentionally harm themselves or others,” she said.

A Wake-Up Call for Policy Makers

The incident has triggered debates across Tripura. People are talking about mental health care, public safety, and plastic pollution. While no one got hurt this time, the risks were real.

Experts believe a stronger system can prevent such incidents. Better care for mentally ill citizens, cleaner public spaces, and closer track monitoring can go a long way.

For now, the man is safe and under observation at a mental health facility. Authorities have confirmed that train services are operating normally.