Agartala, April 17, 2025: In a rapid turn of events that stirred emotions across the state, Tripura Police arrested a man on Thursday morning, barely 12 hours after an FIR was filed against him for allegedly sexually harassing a young girl inside an auto-rickshaw.

The accused has been identified as Shyamal Das of Udaipur in Gomati District, was arrested from the Battala Market area of Agartala following a relentless overnight manhunt.

“This was a serious allegation, and we acted immediately. A video of the incident surfaced and we reviewed it carefully. Based on the FIR filed last evening, we launched a swift search operation. By morning, we had him in custody,” said the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of West Agartala Women Police Station Saswati Das.

The case came to light after a disturbing video showing the harassment inside an auto-rickshaw went viral on social media, igniting widespread anger. The footage shows the accused inappropriately touching a girl in broad daylight, leading to a chorus of condemnation from citizens, youth groups, and political leaders.

Tripura royal scion Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma was among the first to raise the alarm publicly. Taking to Facebook, he shared the video and called upon the Youth Tipra Federation—the youth wing of the Tipra Motha Party—to take action and ensure that the police were informed.

“I was appalled. This is not the Tripura we want. Such acts must be met with zero tolerance,” Debbarma wrote in his post.

Tripura royal scion Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma, who was among the first to bring attention to the incident on social media, shared an emotional update after the arrest. “I personally spoke to the victim—she’s feeling relieved and satisfied knowing that justice has been delivered. This is what happens when we unite as a society and stand firmly against such disgusting acts. The look on the accused’s face says it all. Thank you to everyone who stood up—this is our collective victory,” Debbarma wrote.

Meanwhile, Tripura Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha also took to social media, emphasizing the state’s commitment to justice and women’s safety. “Taking the recent viral incident very seriously, I immediately directed the police to act swiftly. I’m pleased to inform the public that the accused has already been arrested. Our government has zero tolerance for any action that compromises the safety and dignity of our daughters and mothers,” he wrote.

The arrest has provided a sense of immediate relief, but online outrage continues. Youth from across the state, both girls and boys have been vocal in their demand for swift justice and stronger safety measures for women in public spaces.

Accused Das is likely to be produced before the court on Thursday.