Agartala, 26th July 2026 : In a significant development in the mysterious death of Class X student Zubaida Begum, Irani Police have arrested a minor nearly 15 days after the incident, marking a major breakthrough in the high-profile investigation that triggered widespread protests across Unakoti district.
Zubaida, a student of Barkhala School under Irani Panchayat in Gournagar RD Block, went missing on July 10 after leaving home for school. Her family lodged a missing person complaint the same evening. On July 11, police recovered her body hanging from a tree in a forest near Hirachhara Tea Estate. Following a post-mortem examination, the body was handed over to the family, who consistently alleged that she had been murdered rather than having died by suicide.
The case sparked demonstrations by political parties, student organisations, and local residents, all demanding an impartial investigation and the arrest of those responsible.
Acting on fresh leads, police detained a minor from Taruninagar under Fatikroy Police Station on Saturday. According to police sources, the accused allegedly attempted to flee before being apprehended. Preliminary investigation revealed that the minor, a Class IX student of Tilabazar Madrasa, was reportedly acquainted with Zubaida, and his name appeared in her personal notebooks.
Investigators are examining whether a strained personal relationship contributed to the incident, while clarifying that no conclusion has yet been reached regarding whether the death was a case of suicide or homicide. The minor has been produced before the court, and further investigation is underway. Meanwhile, Zubaida’s family has reiterated its demand for a fair and comprehensive probe until the truth is established.
