Mohanpur, Tripura: Tensions have escalated in Tripura after unidentified miscreants allegedly set fire to the CPI(M)’s Mohanpur sub-divisional party office at Kalibazar in the Bamutia Assembly constituency during Diwali. On Monday, CPI(M) State Secretary and Leader of the Opposition Jitendra Chaudhury visited the damaged office alongside senior party leaders and condemned the incident.
The party alleged that local BJP supporters were involved in the attack and demanded immediate action against those responsible. According to party leaders, the incident occurred around 2 am on Saturday, when miscreants allegedly set fire to flex banners and poured kerosene on the office doors. Local market guards and residents helped extinguish the flames before the fire could spread. However, the identities of those involved and the motive behind the incident remain unknown.
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Key Facts About the Mohanpur CPI(M) Office Fire
- Location: Kalibazar, Mohanpur, Bamutia Assembly constituency, Tripura.
- Affected property: CPI(M) Mohanpur sub-divisional party office.
- Incident: Alleged arson attack during Diwali.
- Reported time: Around 2 am on Saturday.
- Inspection date: Monday.
- Visiting leader: Jitendra Chaudhury, CPI(M) State Secretary and Leader of the Opposition.
- Other leaders present: MLA Nayan Sarkar, Shankar Prasad Datta, Ratan Das and other party representatives.
- Reported damage: Burnt flex banners and damaged party materials and equipment.
- Police action: A complaint was submitted at Bamutia Police Station.
- Investigation: The identities of the accused and the motive remain unconfirmed.
Jitendra Chaudhury Visits Damaged CPI(M) Office
On Monday, Jitendra Chaudhury visited the CPI(M) party office at Kalibazar to assess the damage caused by the alleged fire.
Several senior party leaders accompanied him during the inspection. They included MLA Nayan Sarkar, former MP and CITU leader Shankar Prasad Datta, CPI(M) West District Committee Secretary Ratan Das, Mohanpur Divisional Committee Secretary Sudip Debnath and Bamutia Regional Committee Secretary Partha Das.
During the visit, Chaudhury condemned the alleged attack and accused local BJP supporters of involvement. The CPI(M) leadership demanded an impartial investigation and strict action against those responsible.
However, the allegations against BJP supporters have not yet been independently established.
Miscreants Allegedly Attempt to Set Party Office on Fire
According to CPI(M) leaders, the incident took place around 2 am on Saturday during the Diwali festivities.
The attackers allegedly set fire to flex banners displayed outside the party office. They also reportedly poured kerosene on the doors of different rooms, raising suspicions of an attempt to destroy the entire establishment.
Market guards first noticed the flames and immediately raised an alarm. Following their alert, local party workers and residents rushed to the location and attempted to control the fire using water.
Fire service personnel also reached the spot. Their intervention, along with the efforts of local residents, helped prevent the flames from spreading further.
Several party materials and equipment reportedly suffered damage, while the external banners were completely burnt.
A major fire was averted in the densely populated Kalibazar market area, where the flames could potentially have threatened nearby shops and buildings.
CPI(M) Links Incident to Alleged Attack on Manik Sarkar’s Convoy
CPI(M) leaders suspect that the alleged arson attack could be connected to an earlier incident involving former Tripura Chief Minister and senior party leader Manik Sarkar.
According to the party, unidentified individuals had allegedly attempted to obstruct Sarkar’s convoy during his recent visit to the area. Party representatives also claimed that miscreants threw eggs at the former Chief Minister.
The CPI(M) believes the latest incident may be part of a series of politically motivated attacks. However, investigators have yet to establish any connection between the two incidents.
CPI(M) Files Complaint at Bamutia Police Station
Earlier, a delegation led by MLA Nayan Sarkar approached Bamutia Police Station and submitted a formal complaint regarding the alleged arson attack.
The delegation demanded that police identify the culprits and arrest those responsible without delay.
Sarkar alleged that CPI(M) offices had faced repeated attacks since the BJP came to power in Tripura in 2018. He also expressed concern over the alleged incidents targeting party leaders and organisational establishments in different parts of the state.
Police reportedly assured the delegation that they would investigate the complaint and take appropriate legal action.
As of now, authorities have not publicly established the identity of the attackers or confirmed the motive behind the incident.
CPI(M) Says Attack Will Not Stop Its Political Activities
CPI(M) leaders described the incident as particularly unfortunate because it occurred during Diwali, a festival traditionally associated with light, peace and celebration.
The party leadership maintained that such incidents would not discourage its members from continuing political and organisational activities across Tripura.
The alleged attack has also renewed concerns about political tensions and the safety of party offices in the state.
Questions and Answers
1. Where was the CPI(M) party office allegedly set on fire?
The incident reportedly occurred at the CPI(M) Mohanpur sub-divisional office in Kalibazar, under the Bamutia Assembly constituency in Tripura.
2. When did the alleged arson attack take place?
According to party leaders, the incident occurred around 2 am on Saturday during Diwali.
3. Who inspected the damaged office?
CPI(M) State Secretary and Leader of the Opposition Jitendra Chaudhury visited the office on Monday with several senior party leaders.
4. What was damaged in the incident?
External flex banners were completely burnt, while party materials and equipment reportedly suffered damage.
5. Has anyone been arrested?
The supplied reports do not confirm any arrests. Police have reportedly assured the party delegation that they will investigate the complaint.
6. Who has the CPI(M) accused of involvement?
CPI(M) leaders have alleged the involvement of local BJP supporters, but the accusation has not yet been independently established.
Political Tensions Raise Concerns in Tripura
Tripura has witnessed political competition between the BJP and CPI(M) for several years. The latest incident in Mohanpur has once again brought attention to concerns about political clashes and the security of party establishments.
As an important political constituency in West Tripura, Bamutia remains part of the state’s wider political landscape. A thorough investigation and appropriate legal action will be important to establish the facts and prevent further incidents.
For now, the circumstances surrounding the alleged arson attack remain under investigation, while CPI(M) leaders continue to demand accountability.
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