In a horrifying event that has emerged from Sepahijala district in Tripura, a father and his son, who are from a minority community, were allegedly assaulted by a group of puja organisers in Bishalgarh after they failed to pay Rs 5 lakh donation for Durga Puja.
Dulal Mia, a cattle trader, and his son Maman claimed they were contacted by the Secretary of the Sepahijala District Yuba Morcha, Saikat Saha, over the phone and were invited to the club.
On arrival at the club, a group of youth demanded Rs five lakh for Durga Puja. Dulal Mia, with limited financial resources, expressed his inability to fulfil this demand. The club authorities allegedly locked them up, thrashed Dulal Mia and his son, and threatened them with a pistol. The youths also told them to vacate their house in the area. Dulal Mia is the vice-president of the Bishalgarh District Congress of the Indian National Congress.
The duo are said to be in critical condition and have been referred to separate Medical Colleges in Agartala. However, the eight accused have not been arrested yet. Quoting a police officer, TOIwrote, “Eight people have been booked, and a probe is underway. The law prohibits the immediate arrest of anyone following a complaint unless the case falls within the specific provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC)”.
On Thursday, October 12, Chief Minister of Tripura Manik Saha issued a strict warning to the puja organisers against the forceful collection of Durga Puja subscriptions a couple of hours before the incident occurred. The wife of the victim was also subjected to physical assault when she intervened and tried to stop the youths. Dulal Mia is now recuperating at the Tripura Medical College, while his son has been shifted to Agartala Medical College.
Tripura Congress President condemned the act and visited the victims in the hospital, expressing his solidarity and support.
