The Communist Party of India (Marxist) in Tripura has accused goons backed by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of vandalizing its local committee office in Pratapgarh, West Tripura, using a bulldozer in the early hours of Saturday. The incident, which occurred around 1:30 AM, has intensified political friction in the state.

CPI(M) Leader of Opposition and state secretary Jitendra Chaudhury condemned the attack, alleging it was orchestrated by BJP-supported miscreants. “We have video evidence of the vandalism,” Chaudhury stated, describing the act as a deliberate assault on democratic values by the BJP and its ideological ally, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). He further accused the BJP of “looting public funds” and eroding the state’s democratic environment since assuming power.

Chaudhury labeled the incident a “cowardly act carried out under the cover of darkness” and criticized the police for their inaction, noting that no arrests have been made despite a formal complaint. CPI(M) district secretary Ratan Das claimed this was the seventh attack on the party’s office since the BJP took control of Tripura, with the latest incident damaging the front gate and doors in a “pre-planned” assault.

Also Read: Tripura CM Hails PM Modi for Peace, Development in Northeast

BJP district president Ashim Bhattacharjee declined to comment on the allegations. Meanwhile, Subrata Debnath, officer-in-charge of the East Agartala police station, confirmed that a complaint was received, and the bulldozer used in the attack has been seized. “An investigation is underway,” Debnath said.

The incident underscores escalating political tensions in Tripura, with the CPI(M) accusing the BJP of resorting to violence to suppress opposition voices.

Also Read: Tripura Bank Fraud: UCO Cashier Held in ₹16 Crore AMC Scam