By TC News Desk
Agartala, January 31: Two houses were targeted by bomb attacks in Kalibazar area of Bamutia on Tuesday night, sparking panic among the locals. The blasts were allegedly linked to a dispute over the opening of a new foreign liquor store in the area.
According to sources, the Excise department had issued a tender for the liquor store in October 2023, which was won by local businessman Pranab Saha. However, the second highest bidder, whose name has not been disclosed, tried to sabotage Saha’s bid by offering Rs 10 lakh to the property owner Samir Das to cancel the deal. When Das refused, the second bidder hired local goons to intimidate and assault Das and his brother Malay Das.
Failing to get the license, the second bidder resorted to violence and hurled bombs at the houses of Sahadev Sarkar and Kalpana Biswas, who were neighbours of Das and supporters of Saha. Fortunately, no one was injured in the blasts, but the houses suffered damage. Police from Bamutia outpost arrived at the scene and recovered a hand-made bomb with the help of locals. Sources informed that the police also arrested Himangshu Biswas, who was allegedly involved in the bombing.
The locals have expressed their opposition to the opening of a liquor store in Kalibazar, citing social and religious reasons. They have demanded that the authorities cancel the tender and relocate the store to another area. They have also appealed for peace and harmony in the wake of the bomb blasts.
