Agartala, April 25, 2025: Tension gripped Tripura’s Joynagar locality in Agartala on Thursday night after two rickshaw pullers were detained by locals for allegedly displaying the national flag of Bangladesh on the rear of a rickshaw.

The rickshaw, owned by 62-year-old Dulal Mia, came under public scrutiny after residents noticed the foreign flag and confronted the rickshaw puller. Eyewitnesses said the matter quickly escalated as locals gathered in protest, citing concerns over national pride and alleging disrespect towards the Indian flag in Bangladesh.

Dulal Mia, who also works as a tea vendor in the city’s Battala Market, publicly apologized at the scene. “I have made a big mistake. I sincerely apologise. The flag was painted unknowingly by a painter, and I didn’t realize it,” he said, requesting forgiveness from the agitated crowd.

Mangal Mia, the rickshaw puller who had rented the vehicle from Dulal a week prior, stated he was unaware of the flag’s presence when he began using it. “I sold my rickshaw and planned to buy an electric auto, but due to restrictions, I rented this one. Some locals had objected to the flag earlier, and I informed the owner, but no steps were taken,” he added.

Following the incident, police from the Battala Outpost intervened and detained both individuals for questioning. A police official confirmed, “Two persons were taken into custody after a complaint regarding a suspected Bangladeshi flag on a rickshaw. The matter is currently under investigation.”