Agartala, May 19, 2025: In a major lapse of security, the convoy of Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh and Minister of State Prof. SP Singh Baghel came under attack on Saturday in Tripura’s Sepahijala district. A disturbing series of events took place near Charilam, close to the official residences of the District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police, raising serious questions about law and order in the region.

According to police reports, the incident began when a white WagonR (registration TR-03-0721) rear-ended a vehicle from the ministerial convoy — a Neel Jyoti Travels car ferrying Fisheries Department officials. Following the minor collision, an altercation ensued, prompting the convoy to halt.

The situation took a violent turn when the accused, identified as Rajkumar Saha of Jangalia in Bishalgarh, allegedly called in known local miscreants from Bishalgarh and Madhupur. When Ankit Shil, the driver of the damaged convoy vehicle, briefly left and returned to the scene, he was reportedly assaulted, abducted, and taken to Harishnagar Tea Garden in Bishalgarh.

Shil was allegedly held captive for nearly two hours, during which his mobile phone, cash, and gold chain were forcibly taken. Upon his release, he filed a complaint at Bishalgarh Police Station, providing the vehicle details of the assailants.

Acting promptly, police arrested Rajkumar Saha and seized the implicated vehicle. Authorities confirmed that Saha is a repeat offender with a criminal history, including a previous kidnapping case. Sources suggest he had earlier evaded legal consequences due to political intervention.

Bishalgarh Police Station Officer-in-Charge Sanjit Sen confirmed the arrest and stated that Saha would be produced before the court on Sunday, with a plea for remand.

The high-profile nature of the incident and its proximity to top administrative residences have sparked concern, prompting calls for an immediate review of security protocols in the area.