Tension flared in the Joynagar area of Agartala on Thursday late night after locals detained two individuals in connection with a rickshaw allegedly bearing the national flag of Bangladesh.
The incident unfolded when residents spotted the flag painted on the back of a rickshaw and confronted the rickshaw puller, identified as Mangal Mia. The rickshaw was reportedly owned by Dulal Mia, a 62-year-old tea seller from Battala Market, who also rents out two rickshaws.
Dulal Mia later arrived at the scene and publicly apologized, claiming the flag was painted by mistake.
"I have made a big mistake. I sincerely apologize. The flag was painted unknowingly by a local artist. I had no idea it resembled the Bangladeshi national flag," he said.
Mangal Mia, who had been using the rickshaw for the past week, told reporters he was unaware of the flag when he first rented the vehicle.
"I sold my own rickshaw and was planning to buy an electric auto-rickshaw. Due to government restrictions, I rented this one from Dulal Mia. Some locals had already raised concerns, and I informed the owner to repaint it. Unfortunately, nothing was done,” he said.
An eyewitness recalled, "We noticed the rickshaw had what looked like the Bangladeshi flag. When we questioned the puller, he said he wasn't responsible and that the owner would be able to explain."
The situation escalated as locals expressed resentment, citing past incidents where the Indian flag was allegedly disrespected in Bangladesh. Their anger intensified upon spotting the foreign symbol in the heart of the Tripura capital.
Police from the Battala Outpost arrived at the scene and took both Dulal and Mangal Mia into custody for questioning.
"A case has been registered, and an investigation is underway," a police official confirmed.
Four held in Tripura for social media posts relating to Pahalgam terror attack
Police arrested four people including two retired teachers in the past 24 hours from Tripura’s three districts for making controversial posts on social media relating to the Pahalgam terror attack, officials said on Saturday.
Indian Army responds firmly to ceasefire violations by Pakistani troops along LoC
In the wake of the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Pakistan has resorted to unprovoked ceasefire violations along the Line of Control (LoC). Over the past two days, Pakistani military posts have been targeting Indian positions with small-arms fire. The Indian Army has given a strong and appropriate response to these provocations, official sources said.
US religious freedom body finds conditions for Pakistan minorities 'worsening', urges strong action
Finding "a worsening religious and political climate of fear, intolerance, and violence" for minorities in Pakistan, the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has asked President Donald Trump's administration to take strong measures against the Islamic Republic.
Residences of LeT commanders, Pahalgam attack suspects demolished across Kashmir
Security forces have intensified their crackdown on Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operatives and suspects linked to the deadly Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives on April 22.
India, Pakistan will 'get it figured out,' says Trump on border tensions
US President Donald Trump refused to be drawn into India-Pakistan border tensions in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terrorist attack, stating that the two countries will "get it figured out one way or the other."
CM stresses scientific drain construction to combat flood
Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha today emphasized the need to construct drains in a scientific manner to quickly drain the water accumulated in the city during heavy rains.
Bangladeshi man, drug smuggler held at Agartala Railway Station
In a significant development, two separate operations at Agartala Railway Station led to the arrest of a Bangladeshi national for illegal entry into India and a local individual involved in attempting to smuggle ganja to Assam.
Tripura holds significant position in blood donation: CM Dr Manik Saha
Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha on Friday inaugurated a blood donation camp here at Agartala and said that the government is mulling to open more blood banks in the state to maintain the balance between the demand and supply.