Tripura: 12 houses set on fire after idol defaced at temple

NEW DELHI: On Sunday night, unidentified individuals set fire to at least 12 houses and several vehicles in Ranirbazar area of West Tripura after discovering a defaced idol at a temple in Kaiturbari.

The incident occurred in Jirania subdivision, where prohibitory orders under Section 163 of BNSS have been imposed. To defuse tension, heavy security deployment has been made in the area.

Assistant inspector general (Law and Order) Ananta Das reported to PTI, "Around 12 dwelling houses were set on fire at Ranirbazar by miscreants late on Sunday after an idol of Goddess Kali was found disfigured in Kaiturbari. A few motorcycles and pick-up vans were also gutted in the blaze." Fortunately, no human casualties were reported, and residents fled their homes upon seeing the raging mob.

Director general of police, intelligence, Anurag Dhankar and West Tripura superintendent of police Kiran Kumar have visited the area. Das stated that a suo moto case will be registered once the assessment of property loss is completed, and the situation is currently under control.

District magistrate Vishal Kumar issued an order imposing prohibitory orders under section 163 of BNSS in Jirania subdivision from August 26 to 28, prohibiting the assembly of five or more people due to violent activities in the area.

Tipra Motha supremo Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma expressed concern over the incident on Facebook, appealing for the maintenance of law and order. He urged those responsible for maintaining law and order to follow the rule of law and deal firmly with miscreants, regardless of their faith.

Debbarma also called for unity in Tripura during these challenging times, as the state is currently grappling with the aftermath of devastating floods that have claimed 26 lives and left 1.17 lakh people homeless since August 19.