Agartala: A 57-year-old man was killed and at least 12 others were injured as violence erupted during the counting of votes for the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) Village Committee elections in Champahaur, Tripura’s Khowai district, on Monday.The deceased, Motilal Karmakar, was associated with the Tipra Motha. Police said Karmakar sustained injuries during clashes outside a counting centre and died while being taken from Khowai to GB Pant Hospital in Agartala.Karmakar’s wife, Anita Debbarma, claimed that he held a leadership position in Tipra Motha and alleged that he died after sustaining injuries during police action.The clashes reportedly broke out between supporters of Tipra Motha and BJP as rival groups gathered outside the counting centre. The situation escalated, with Tipra Motha leaders accusing the police of resorting to a lathi-charge.At least 10 to 12 people, including women, were injured in the clashes and subsequent police action and were taken to Khowai Hospital for treatment.Several police personnel and Tripura State Rifles personnel were also reportedly injured. DSP Arghyadip Laskar was allegedly hit by a slingshot during the clash.Police are yet to issue an official statement or spoken to the media on the circumstances that led to the lathi-charge.
