The security lapse was followed by scenes of chaos after the Prime Minister departed by helicopter
Tripura Police have launched a high-level investigation into a significant security breach that occurred during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the Tripura Sundari temple on Monday, an incident that has reportedly caused severe embarrassment for the state administration and the ruling party.
The disruption was allegedly instigated by local BJP MLA Abhishek Debroy, who was seen in video footage pushing through security barricades with a substantial crowd toward the area designated for the Prime Minister. Despite police attempts to intervene, Mr. Debroy was reportedly heard shouting at officers.
The breach of protocol, which led to a substantial crowd surge, has drawn sharp criticism and internal dissatisfaction from the Chief Minister and senior BJP party leaders. Police officials have formally filed a complaint and initiated a probe into the incident.
According to local reports, security barricades, including bamboo fencing, were set up at two entry points. However, a crowd estimated between 8,000 and 10,000 people attempted to push through the cordon. Mr. Debroy later claimed he was responding to calls from local residents urging him to help them get closer to the Prime Minister. Ultimately, a smaller group of 2,000 to 3,000 individuals was permitted to gather within the barricaded area along the national highway near the temple grounds.
The political repercussions were immediately evident, with non-BJP parties, including TIPRA Motha, a coalition partner, expressing discontent. Congress MLA Sudip Roybarman argued that the Prime Minister “transcends party lines” and that the state government failed to handle the visit inclusively by not inviting opposition leaders or representatives of the temple’s founding royal family.
The security lapse was followed by scenes of chaos after the Prime Minister departed by helicopter. Groups of people reportedly began competing violently for the bamboo used in the roadside barricades, escalating into confrontations in the presence of police. Several individuals sustained injuries, with one person critically injured and referred to Agartala Government Medical College. Reports also indicated that flowers worth nearly ₹50 lakh, used for decoration, were looted by segments of the crowd outside the temple premises.
