Agartala, Sept 8 (HBTV): Senior Indigenous People's Front of Tripura (IPFT) leader and General Secretary Swapan Debbarma was allegedly assaulted and his car vandalised by supporters of Tipra Motha near the Hezamara block office in West Tripura district, according to the leader.
Debbarma said the incident occurred when he arrived at the block office to meet the Returning Officer in connection with the upcoming Village Council General Election. He alleged that a group of armed persons attacked his vehicle after he stopped near the office.
According to Debbarma, the attackers continued to assault the vehicle while he was inside. His driver managed to contact police personnel deployed near the block office, following which they reached the spot and rescued him.
Debbarma said he sustained injuries to his head during the incident. He alleged that the attack intensified when he identified himself as a senior IPFT leader and pointed out that the party is part of an alliance with Tipra Motha for the village council polls.
“I am clueless as to why my car was targeted. I thought they were mistaken to recognise me. When I tried to alert them that I am a senior leader of IPFT, the intensity of attack increased,” Debbarma said.
He was initially taken to Mohanpur Hospital, where he received treatment. He was subsequently referred to the trauma care centre of GB Pant Hospital in Agartala for advanced medical care.
IPFT leader and minister Shukla Charan Noatia visited the hospital to enquire about Debbarma's condition and condemned the alleged attack.
In a social media post, Noatia said political violence was unacceptable and noted that IPFT, BJP and Tipra Motha were contesting the Village Council General Election as alliance partners.
He urged workers and supporters of the parties to maintain peace and ensure a safe and democratic election process.
There was no immediate response from Tipra Motha to the allegations.