On the evening of January 1, a Muslim rickshaw puller, Didar Hossain, was allegedly attacked by four to five unidentified individuals in Tripura’s capital, Agartala. Reports suggest that he was buried halfway in sand and set on fire in an attempt to kill him, sparking widespread outrage in the city.

According to police, the incident occurred around 6:30 pm near the Gangail Nivedita Club. The attackers reportedly asked Hossain his name before targeting him based on his religious identity. Hossain told authorities that the assailants tried to set him on fire after forcing him into a pile of sand, but he survived by shouting, which caused the attackers to flee.

Hossain filed a written complaint at the Durga Chowmuhani Outpost, describing the attack as a “serious and non-bailable offence.” He said he sustained severe physical and psychological injuries and is currently undergoing medical treatment.

Local resident Habib Ur Rahman said that after asking Hossain’s name, the attackers referenced violence against minorities in Bangladesh. When Hossain asked why he was being targeted, the assailants only cited incidents across the border.

The police have registered a case against the unidentified accused under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Section 109 (attempt to murder), Section 115(2) (causing grievous hurt), and Section 326 (attempt to cause death by fire). No arrests have been made so far.

The attack has triggered protests led by Congress MLA Sudip Roy Barman and TIPRA Motha leader Shah Alam. Demonstrators demanded the immediate arrest of the accused and strict action against the perpetrators.

The incident, allegedly motivated by religious identity, has heightened communal tensions in Tripura and raised serious questions about law and order in the state.