A 58-year-old man was beaten to death at Khupilong in Tripura’s Gomati district on Tuesday night. The police suspect a superstition-related motive behind the violent attack. The victim was identified as Jaban Bhakta Jamatia.
According to police, a group of unknown miscreants entered Jaban’s house and created panic. They vandalised several household items and then dragged him out of his room. His wife and granddaughter witnessed the attack and raised an alarm. However, the attackers ignored their pleas.
Jaban tried to run away after breaking free, but the miscreants caught him again. They assaulted him with bamboo sticks and iron rods. They then tied his hands and legs and dragged him into the courtyard. The attackers continued to beat him until he collapsed.
His family rushed him to a nearby local hospital. Doctors referred him to GBP Hospital in Agartala. Although doctors tried to save him, he died during treatment. Police later recovered bloodstained bamboo sticks and iron rods from the courtyard.
A case has been registered at Killa police station under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Police have started an investigation and are trying to identify the attackers. However, no arrests have been made so far.
Tripura has reported several similar incidents in the past few months. Last month, three people were arrested for killing a 51-year-old woman on suspicion of witchcraft in West Tripura. Earlier incidents in Unakoti and South Tripura also involved mob violence and superstition-driven attacks.
The latest killing has triggered concern among locals. Many residents demanded strict action and better awareness to stop superstition-related crimes in rural areas.
