A suspected case of arson has left a family homeless in Yubarajnagar under Kailashahar subdivision of Unakoti district after miscreants set fire to their residential house and an auto-rickshaw in the wee hours of Sunday. The incident is suspected to be an act of retaliation against the house owner, Abdul Munim, for his alleged role in catching and handing over a suspected thief to the police.
The incident has triggered widespread anger and fear among residents of Yubarajnagar and Babur Bazar, with locals demanding a thorough investigation and strict action against those responsible.
Sources said that the incident has its roots in an incident on November 12. Abdul Munim, a resident of the Babur Bazar-adjacent area under Ward No. 3 of Yubarajnagar Gram Panchayat, had reportedly been vocal against drug abuse and theft-related activities in the locality for a long time. On November 12, a suspected thief was allegedly caught red-handed while attempting to steal a vehicle tyre from Munim’s house. Munim, along with local residents, apprehended the accused and handed him over to the police.
However, two days later, on November 15, at around 3 AM, a group of miscreants allegedly attacked his property and set fire to the house and a vehicle parked inside the garage before fleeing the spot.
The fire rapidly engulfed the residential building, destroying almost everything inside. The family lost its belongings and savings accumulated over the years. Even the books and study materials of Munim’s college-going daughter were reduced to ashes in the blaze.
The family is now facing severe hardship after losing its home and possessions. Munim, struggling by the loss, expressed deep anguish over the incident.
Meanwhile, local residents have raised concerns over what they describe as a close connection between drug addiction and theft in the area. They alleged that stolen articles are sometimes exchanged with drug dealers in return for narcotics, and argued that merely apprehending individual thieves would not resolve the problem unless the drug supply network is also dismantled.
Residents said Munim had been standing against drug abuse and criminal activities in support of the broader objective of building a drug-free Tripura. They expressed concern that his family had allegedly become a target after he helped hand over a suspected thief to the police.
Following the incident, tension and resentment have reportedly spread across Yubarajnagar and Babur Bazar. Local residents have demanded an impartial investigation and stringent punishment for those involved. They have also warned that they may launch a larger agitation within the next 24 hours if the administration fails to take prompt and effective action against drug-related activities and criminal incidents in the area.
Police from Irani police station are currently investigating the incident. The exact circumstances behind the fire and the identities of those responsible are yet to be established.