DHARMANAGAR: Tension gripped the area near Haflong Bazar after a container truck driver alleged he was beaten up and robbed of cash by a group of youths who had demanded a donation for Vishwakarma Puja.
The driver, identified as Pintu Maisho Das of Kailashahar, was travelling from Agartala to Silchar with a consignment of goods when his vehicle was allegedly stopped near Haflong Bazar by a group demanding a puja donation. Das claimed he had already paid a donation earlier and questioned the fresh demand, following which he alleged he was pressured further and eventually assaulted by a group of 15 to 20 people.
He alleged that around Rs 16,000 in cash, meant for vehicle running expenses, was snatched from him during the incident. Das said he reported the matter to police the same night but alleged no clear action had been taken even 12 hours later.
He also produced a receipt bearing the name “Dharmanagar Medium Truck Owners’ Association,” alleging the organisation’s involvement in the donation collection, and demanded a thorough police investigation to identify those responsible.
Police said the matter is under investigation.