Agartala, August 06, 2025: In a chilling reminder of the deteriorating law and order situation, a brutal robbery-cum-murder has rocked the Sonamura subdivision of Tripura, leaving the local residents in shock and raising serious concerns over public safety.
Late last night, a gang of nearly a dozen robbers stormed the residence of 70-year-old Shanti Ranjan Das in the Shri Durga Sangha area of Ward No. 4 under Melaghar Kalmkhet Gramtali Gram Panchayat. The assailants, under the cover of darkness, tied up Das and brutally killed him. His wife, Namita Das, was also seriously injured after being attacked with sharp weapons.
Preliminary investigation suggests that the couple, who lived alone, became targets as the gang attempted to snatch gold ornaments from Namita Das. “When they tried to resist, the gang tied up Shanti Ranjan Das and murdered him. His wife was also severely beaten and slashed,” a police official said.
Namita Das, who sustained critical injuries, has been shifted to GB Hospital in Agartala for advanced medical care.
The heinous crime has triggered widespread panic in the area, with residents questioning the efficacy of the so-called “good governance” promised by the authorities. “In this era of claimed good governance, such incidents are terrifying. Where is our security?” questioned a local resident.
Following swift action by the Sonamura police, three suspects were arrested from the Kathalia Mura area under Sonamura Police Station. Confirming the arrests, an official said, “We have taken three individuals into custody on suspicion of their involvement in the robbery and murder. We believe more names from the gang will emerge once they are interrogated thoroughly.”
Sonamura Sub-Divisional Police Officer and local law enforcement rushed to the crime scene early this morning after receiving information about the incident. A case has been registered, and a manhunt is underway to track down the remaining members of the gang.
The brutal nature of the crime has shaken the community, prompting calls for stronger policing and preventive measures to protect vulnerable citizens, especially elderly couples living alone.
