Tripura: Muslims retaliated, Kali temple vandalised, ABVP secretary stabbed

News Desk: On Friday, a Hindu Kali temple was attacked by a Muslim mob in Kailashahar in the Unakoti district of Tripura. The development comes amidst the deteriorating law and order situation over the false rumours of mosques being burnt in the State.

As per reports, a large Muslim mob ambushed the Kali temple at around 4 pm in the afternoon. They broke the idol and vandalised the temple. One of the eyewitnesses to the dastardly attack was Shivaji Sengupta, who was stabbed with a knife by the frenzied mob. Reportedly, he resisted the attack on the temple, following which Islamists attempted to kill him with a knife. He sustained serious injuries and was rushed to the hospital. His condition is said to be stable now.

Despite repeated appeals to maintain calm and communal harmony, about 1100 mosques in Tripura gave calls to incite Muslims after the Friday prayers. It is believed that the attack on the Kali temple was a manifestation of such intolerance. The incident has triggered a situation of chaos and unrest in the area. The district administration has imposed CrpC Section 144 with immediate effect to prevent any untoward situation. As such, an assembly of more than 5 people is not permitted in Kailashahar. The curfew will remain in place till October 31 evening.

Unakoti police said “Section 144 imposed in Laxmipur & Kailashahar for breach of peace in 2 separate incidents. Unknown miscreants vandalised Kali temple in Laxmipur, & attack on an ABVP leader by NSUI & Trinamool Chhatra Parishad workers in Kailashahar, yesterday” According to UK Chakma, the District Magistrate of Kailashahar, the accused involved in the stabbing incident were arrested.

The official Twitter handle of ABVP Tripura confirmed that the victim Shivaji Sengupta is the Secretary of the Kailashahar Nagar unit of the organisation. It added that the victim was being treated at the AGMC & GBP Hospital.

Following the vandalism of the Kali temple and attack on the ABVP worker, Samriddhi claimed that one Madrassa teacher named Afroz Ali was attacked by unidentified miscreants. She alleged that the shop of one Akbar Ali was burnt down in the Paiturbazar area of Kailasahar, which triggered the act of vandalism at the Kali mandir.

ABVP leader was attacked by activists of NSUI and Trinamool Chhatra Parishad. This prompted the ABVP supporters to surround the police station and demand immediate action.