Tripura post-poll violence: Parliamentary team conducting probe attacked

A parliamentary delegation which visited Tripura on Friday (March 10) to enquirie about violence after the recent Assembly elections in the state was attacked.

Sources from the CPI(M) and Congress said the parliamentarians were attacked by people supported by the ruling BJP in Bishalgarh in Sepahijala district, an area that witnessed violence post the elections. Three vehicles were allegedly damaged.

A state functionary of the CPI(M) and a former minister said the parliamentary team was forced to call off some outdoor programmes due to the “gruesome attack” at Nehalchandra Nagar Bazaar in Bishalgarh on Friday evening (March 10).

“The MPs and the accompanying Congress and CPI(M) leaders quickly left the place and escaped the major attack,” the CPI(M) said in a statement.

Also read: 21 arrested in 18 incidents of poll violence in Tripura

A police statement, however, said the MPs accompanied by local MLAs and leaders while making an unscheduled visit to Nehal Chandra Nagar in Bishalgarh faced sloganeering.

“The accompanying police escort team responded quickly and rescued the delegation safely. Senior officers were at the spot. No injury to any person has been reported. Damage to 2-3 vehicles has been reported. One suspect has been detained. Raids are on to identify and arrest other miscreants,” the statement said.

Congress MP and general secretary Jairam Ramesh condemned the incident. “A delegation of Congress leaders was attacked by BJP goons today in Bishalgarh and Mohanpur in Tripura. Police accompanying the delegation did NOTHING. And tomorrow BJP is having a victory rally there. Victory of party-sponsored violence,” he tweeted.

A delegation of Congress leaders was attacked by BJP goons today in Bishalgarh & Mohanpur in Tripura. Police accompanying the delegation did NOTHING. And tomorrow BJP is having a victory rally there. Victory of party-sponsored violence. pic.twitter.com/gZfBm4qEWB

— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) March 10, 2023

The parliamentary team, comprising four Lok Sabha and three Rajya Sabha members from the Congress and CPI(M), were visiting violence-hit villages and urban areas in three districts — Gomati, West Tripura and Sepahijala. The team was accompanied by local MLAs of both the parties.

(With agency inputs)