Villagers Block National Highway in Protest Over Arrests in West Tripura Arson Case

Hundreds of villagers blocked National Highway-8 in West Tripura, demanding the release of five individuals arrested for allegedly burning down 12 houses and vehicles following the defacement of a Kali idol. The blockade lasted for two hours before assurances from a local minister calmed the crowd.

Hundreds of villagers on Thursday blocked National Highway-8, which connects Assam and Agartala, for approximately two hours. They demanded the release of five individuals arrested for their alleged involvement in the arson of 12 houses in West Tripura district.

Incidents of arson involved setting ablaze houses, motorbikes, and pickup vans in Durganagar, Ranirbazar, following the defacement of a Kali idol on August 26. On Wednesday, the police arrested five people related to the incident.

The protest caused a standstill in vehicular movement on the highway until Food and Civil Supplies Minister Sushanta Chowdhury, also the local MLA, arrived and pacified the protestors. Minister Chowdhury assured them of impartiality in the investigation and promised the construction of a new temple in Durganagar. West Tripura Superintendent of Police Kiran Kumar confirmed that vehicular movement on the highway has resumed after clearing the blockade.

(With inputs from agencies.)