BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 2nd March 2026: Panic gripped Charilam Bazaar this afternoon after armed miscreants carried out a daring daylight robbery, targeting a vehicle allegedly transporting contraband cough syrup worth nearly Rs 15 lakh.
According to police sources, a passenger vehicle bearing registration number TR01D3844 was carrying cartons of Phensedyl from Sonamura to Rashid when members of the notorious Bhuttu gang intercepted it near Bishalgarh bypass. The gang blocked the road with two cars in an attempt to stop the vehicle.
In a desperate bid to escape, the contraband-laden vehicle rammed through multiple cars, but the gang pursued it from behind. The chase ended at Charilam Bazaar, where the assailants managed to halt the vehicle. Armed with firearms and sharp weapons, they looted the consignment and brutally attacked the driver with knives, leaving him seriously injured.
Locals reported that traders and shoppers fled in panic as the gang brandished weapons in the crowded marketplace. The incident sparked chaos and tension across the area.
On receiving information, Additional Superintendent of Police (Sepahijala) Rajib Sutradhar and a large contingent from Bishalgarh police station rushed to the spot. However, the robbers had already fled. Local residents managed to capture one of the assailants, identified as Sumit Saha of Jangalia, Bishalgarh, and handed him over to police.
Meanwhile, two men riding a tomtom (local vehicle) sustained severe injuries after being hit during the chase. They were admitted to Bishalgarh Sub-Divisional Hospital for treatment.
Police later recovered the vehicle and detained the arrested suspect. Investigations are underway to trace the remaining gang members.
Residents have raised serious questions about police inaction, noting that despite the vehicle speeding through Bishalgarh bypass in broad daylight, neither traffic police nor local police attempted to intercept it.
