Transport workers clash at Nagerjala motor stand, several injured

Several people were injured after clashes broke out between two rival groups of transport workers at the Nagerjala Motor Stand here on Wednesday, with both sides trading allegations over the incident.

The violence occurred after a section of transport workers allegedly blocked the main entrance of the motor stand to protest over the lack of basic facilities, leading to a confrontation between rival groups associated with a trade union body of transport workers.

Litan Kar, secretary of the West Tripura district unit of the All Tripura Autorickshaw Sramik Sangha, affiliated to the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangha, alleged that he was attacked by a group of 40 to 50 people at the instigation of local corporator Abhijit Mallik.

Kar claimed he was leading the protest when the attack took place and alleged that several transport workers had also been assaulted in the past by supporters of the rival group.

According to him, police personnel reached the spot after being informed and rescued him from the scene.

Kar further alleged that certain individuals associated with the management of the motor stand were involved in illegal levy collection and that drivers faced intimidation if they refused to make payments.

The clashes reportedly erupted after a section of workers opposed the decision to shut the motor stand during the protest, resulting in a confrontation between the two groups.

Sources said several persons sustained injuries in the violence, though the exact number could not be immediately confirmed.

The Nagerjala Motor Stand is managed by a society headed by corporator Abhijit Mallik.

Rejecting the allegations, Mallik termed the charges baseless and denied any involvement in the incident.

"The allegations are unfounded. The person making them is known for creating trouble and several criminal cases are pending against him," Mallik said.

Police have not yet issued an official statement on the incident.