CPI(M) Leader Badal Shill's Death Sparks Statewide Bandh in Tripura

CPI(M) leader Badal Shill died after being critically injured in an attack in Tripura's Rajnagar area. Accusations have been made against BJP-backed goons for the attack. A statewide bandh has been announced by CPI(M) to protest the incident. The ruling BJP has not yet commented.

CPI(M) leader Badal Shill, who was critically injured in an attack in South Tripura's Rajnagar area, died while undergoing treatment at a hospital on Saturday, police reported.

The opposition CPI(M) has alleged that Shill, a zilla parishad candidate in the panchayat polls, was murdered by BJP-backed goons and has called for a 12-hour statewide bandh on Sunday in protest.

South Tripura SP Ashok Kumar Sinha stated that Shill was attacked by a group of unidentified individuals on Friday evening. The police visited the spot immediately and have lodged a suo motu case with the investigation currently underway. Shill's family claimed he was attacked with a machete, sticks, and other weapons.

AIG (Law and Order) Ananta Das confirmed that Shill died at the state-run GB Pant Hospital in Agartala. His post-mortem examination has been completed and his body will soon be handed over to his family.

CPI(M) state secretary Jitendra Chaudhury, who is also the leader of the opposition in the assembly, emphasized that this incident represents not just Shill's death but the 'murder of democracy' by the BJP. Narayan Kar, the Left Front convenor, announced the statewide bandh will run from 6 am to 6 pm on Sunday. The ruling BJP has not provided any comments despite repeated attempts to reach them.

Panchayat elections in the state are scheduled for August 8, with votes set to be counted on August 10.