After communal clashes at Koitorabari village under Ranir Bazar police station in West Tripura district after tension gripped the area over the defacing of the idols at a local Kali temple by ‘unidentified miscreants’, a large contingent of security forces has been deployed at that village and its adjoining areas to avoid escalating tension.

The district administration has also imposed prohibitory orders in the area and now, the situation is under control.

Police sources said that following the defacing of the Goddess Kali and Lord Mahadev idols, a group of unidentified miscreants attacked nearby areas and torched at least 16 houses, and burnt several vehicles on Sunday midnight, causing injuries to four persons.

Director General of Police (Intelligence), Anurag Dhankar, and , DM(West) Dr Vishal Kumar, West Tripura District Superintendent of Police, Kiran Kumar K, have rushed to the spot with additional forces to defuse the tension.

Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha speaking with media persons on Monday evening said that  the people of the state believes in peace and tranquility and such kind of violence is not wise of the society.

“As soon as I heard the incident, I immediately asked the DGP to visit the spot and to take immediate steps to control the situation,” said Dr Saha and added that DGP (Intelligence) Anurag Dhankar rushed to the spot with additional forces. He said that police had informed him that the situation was under control and top district officials had also talked to the local villagers to maintain peace.

He added that police initiated investigation and appealed to the people to maintain peace and harmony.

The officer said the West Tripura district administration has imposed prohibitory order in the trouble-torn Jirania sub-division under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) till 1 AM of August 28.

Visiting the area on Monday, West Tripura District Magistrate Dr Vishal Kumar called the incident unfortunate, adding that the police and the district administration are working jointly to ensure that the situation remains normal and peace is maintained.

“We want to find out those behind the act. The government would compensate for all the damages caused by the incident. We appeal to the people to cooperate with the administration and stay cautious of any rumours,” said Dr Kumar speaking with the media.

“A large contingent of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Tripura State Rifles (TSR), and police have been deployed in the mixed populated areas. The Ranir Bazar police station has taken up the investigation after registering a suo-motu case,” said DM and added that no arrests have been made so far.

Transport and Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury, who happens to be the local MLA, visited the affected areas and urged the people to maintain calm and communal harmony.

Tripura Police, meanwhile, said in a post on X: “The situation in Koitorabari under Ranir Bazaar PS has been brought under control, enough forces are deployed to tackle any kind of situation. Please refrain from spreading rumours, strict legal action will be taken against such miscreants.”

Informing that some families have fled their homes in the wake of this incident, Dr Kumar said, “We appeal to the public to show solidarity towards the affected people and not share anything on social media that might flare up the situation. Action will be taken against the rumour-mongers."

Meanwhile, opposition CPI(M) and Congress through separate press meetings strongly condemned the incident and demanded sufficient security measures to prevent recurrence of such backlash in the areas.

CPI(M) leaders and former Ministers Manik Dey and Pabitra Kar along with Radhacharan Debbarma and Ratan Das  addressing a press conference said that  altogether 9 houses, two shops were fully burnt away, 11 houses were extensively rampaged and looted, 11 cars were either set on fire or heavily damaged, 7 motorbikes burnt down and 4 cows were looted and one cow was charred to death.

They alleged that after rumour of defacement of Kali idol, a violent mob from RanirBazar and its adjoining areas carried on violent attacks on the minority habitations at Durganagar Gram Panchayat. “The perpetrators selectively targeted the Muslim minority houses and looted the valuables of the houses, then rampaged household articles and lastly set fire on some houses,”  said CPI(M) leaders.

Senior Congress MLA Sudip Roy Barman and Pradesh Congress president Ashish Kumar Saha addressing another press meet at Congress Bhavan on Monday evening castigated the state government and claimed that they failed to protect the minorities of the state.

Opposition parties demanded immediate arrangement of all amenities to victim families and adequate relief fund for those who lost their household valuables, vehicles, shops , bikes and cars.