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

CPI(M) leader Badal Shill succumbed to injuries following an attack in South Tripura. The CPI(M) accuses BJP-backed goons of murder, leading to a 12-hour bandh. An investigation is underway, with police yet to identify the attackers. The incident has further fueled political tensions ahead of upcoming panchayat elections.

CPI (M) leader Badal Shill, critically injured in a violent attack in South Tripura's Rajnagar area, succumbed to his injuries early Saturday while undergoing treatment, police confirmed.

Opposition CPI(M) has accused BJP-backed goons of orchestrating the attack on Shill, a zilla parishad candidate for the upcoming panchayat polls, prompting them to call for a 12-hour statewide bandh on Sunday in protest.

The state BJP has assured that the police will conduct a thorough investigation into the incident and take appropriate legal action.

SP of South Tripura Ashok Kumar Sinha reported that Shill was brutally attacked on Friday evening by a group of unidentified individuals. The police rushed to the scene immediately, but Shill was unable to provide any details about his assailants.

According to the police, Shill was attacked with machetes, sticks, and other weapons at Rajnagar market. Despite efforts to save him, Shill succumbed to his severe injuries at GB Pant Hospital in Agartala.

Post-mortem examination has been completed, and the body will be returned to his family, stated AIG (Law and Order) Ananta Das. Shill had filed his nomination papers on July 11 for the upcoming panchayat elections.

CPI(M) state secretary Jitendra Chaudhury condemned the attack, calling it an assault on democracy by the BJP. He urged the public to protest against what he termed as 'a brutal murder' and a threat to democracy.

Left Front convenor Narayan Kar has announced that the bandh will run from 6 am to 6 pm on Sunday.

BJP state spokesperson Nabendu Bhattacharjee expressed condolences for Shill's death, accusing opposition parties of trying to incite unrest ahead of the elections. He pledged the BJP's support in maintaining normalcy during the bandh.

Tripura is scheduled to hold panchayat elections on August 8, with the votes to be counted on August 10.