Agartala, 10th October 2026 : Allegations of forced collection of Durga Puja donations and assaults on drivers have raised concerns over the safety of goods-carrying lorry drivers and other commuters in Tripura. In two separate incidents reported from Pecharthal and Jolaibari, drivers and passengers were allegedly assaulted after refusing to pay hefty amounts demanded in the name of Puja subscriptions.
In the latest incident, a lorry driver was reportedly beaten by a group of youths at Pecharthal while travelling from Panisagar towards Kumarghat and Kanchanbari. Members of the Kumarghat Youth Club have been accused in connection with the incident. The injured driver is currently undergoing treatment at Pecharthal Hospital.
According to reports, lorry drivers have been facing increasing pressure from groups allegedly collecting money for Puja celebrations. Drivers claim that such activities intensify on different roads during the night, with those refusing to pay reportedly facing threats and physical assaults. The situation has raised concerns that goods-carrying vehicle operators may become reluctant to enter the state due to fears of harassment and extortion.
Meanwhile, another alleged assault over Puja donations was reported near the Jolaibari police outpost on Saturday. Lakshmi Mohan Tripura alleged that members of the Bagantila Durga Puja committee in North Jolaibari stopped his electric auto-rickshaw, bearing registration number TR 08 B 3569, while he was returning home from the Birchandramanu weekly market.
According to Lakshmi Mohan, the committee members demanded a substantial amount of money from him. When he refused to pay, he was allegedly assaulted. His son and a female passenger travelling in the vehicle were also reportedly attacked.
Lakshmi Mohan and his son are currently receiving treatment at the Jolaibari Community Health Centre. He has lodged a formal complaint at the Jolaibari police outpost and demanded strict action against those responsible.
The incidents have triggered demands for increased police surveillance on roads, particularly during the night, and action against those allegedly forcing drivers and commuters to pay Puja subscriptions.
Notably, the state government had previously issued directives warning against coercive collection of Puja subscriptions and promising strict action against those involved. However, the latest allegations have renewed questions about the enforcement of these instructions and the safety of drivers and passengers during the festive season.
