Tripura, India – Following violent clashes in Gandatwisa, Tripura, Minister Tinku Roy led a four-member team to visit the affected area in response to the unrest that erupted after the death of a 19-year-old man. The Minister’s visit was met with strong resentment from villagers whose homes were torched in the aftermath of the fatal clash between two groups.
During the visit, aggrieved villagers took their frustrations out by ransacking the office of the Gandatwisa Sub-Divisional Magistrate, expressing discontent over what they perceived as inaction by the police and local administration during the mob attack on July 12. A video circulated on social media captured a heated exchange between a youth and the minister, underscoring the impact of the arson on the community, which led to the cancellation of 11 scheduled wedding ceremonies in the area.
In response to the villagers’ grievances, Minister Tinku Roy, accompanied by State BJP Vice Presidents and an MLA, assured the affected individuals of government support. The Minister promised compensation and increased security measures to prevent similar incidents in the future, stating that the government would release 25% of the compensation within the next two days to aid in restoring normalcy in the area.
Around 300 villagers, whose homes were destroyed in the arson, have sought shelter since the incident, which resulted in severe damage to 40 houses, looting of 30 shops, and the burning of four motorcycles. District authorities have taken steps to provide necessary security and compensation measures to affected families, with additional security personnel deployed in the area to improve the situation.
The violence that unfolded stemmed from a clash in the local market on July 7, leading to the tragic death of a college student on July 12. Four individuals have since been arrested in connection to the youth’s death, authorities reported. Efforts are being made to reopen the market in cooperation with local committee members to address the aftermath of the violence and ensure the community’s safety and well-being.