By TC News Desk
Agartala, 18th May 2025: In a major security embarrassment for the Tripura Police, the convoy of Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh and Minister of State Prof. SP Singh Baghel was reportedly targeted in a shocking incident in Sepahijala district on Saturday. A vehicle in the ministerial convoy was allegedly intercepted, the driver abducted, and later robbed by a group of known miscreants.
According to reports, the incident occurred near Charilam, close to the official residence of the Sepahijala District Magistrate and District Superintendent of Police, when a white Wagner vehicle (bearing registration TR-03-0721) rear-ended a car from the convoy belonging to Neeljyoti Travels, which was ferrying Fisheries Department officials.
Following the collision, the convoy halted temporarily. The accused, identified as Rajkumar Saha of Jangalia, Bishalgarh, allegedly summoned known criminals from Bishalgarh and Madhupur after an altercation broke out. The situation escalated when Ankit Shil, the driver of the damaged vehicle, returned to the spot after briefly leaving. He was reportedly assaulted by the group, abducted, and taken to Harishnagar Tea Garden in Bishalgarh.
While being held captive for nearly two hours, Shil’s mobile phone, cash, and gold chain were reportedly snatched. After his release, Shil approached the Bishalgarh Police Station and lodged a formal complaint, including the vehicle number of the accused.
Acting swiftly, police arrested Rajkumar Saha and seized the vehicle involved. Officers confirmed that Rajkumar is a repeat offender, with previous allegations including kidnapping of a minor. Sources claim he was previously detained but was allegedly freed through political interference.
Disturbingly, following Saha’s arrest, a group of individuals associated with the Rashtriya Janata Party (RJP), including the nephew of a local councillor, reportedly turned up at the police station to secure his release.
Bishalgarh Police Station Officer-in-Charge Sanjit Sen confirmed the arrest, adding that Saha will be produced before the court on Sunday with a request for remand.
