Agartala: Widespread anger erupted across social media platforms after a disturbing incident of sexual harassment involving a female student inside an autorickshaw in Agartala came to light.
The incident, which occurred in broad daylight, prompted swift public and political response, including an FIR that was filed late on Wednesday evening, April 16.
The matter gained momentum after Tripura royal scion and Tipra Motha Party leader, Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma, raised the issue through a Facebook post. Expressing deep concern, he urged the Youth Tipra Federation (YTF) — the party’s youth wing — to immediately coordinate with law enforcement. “If this culprit gets away, then another female may be targeted in the future,” Pradyot said, confirming he had personally spoken to the victim and assured her of full support. He instructed YTF President Suraj Debbarma and General Secretary James Debbarma to act without delay.
The victim, a university student, recounted her harrowing experience, explaining she had boarded an auto from the GB Bazar area. Three passengers were already in the vehicle. She narrated how a male passenger began touching her inappropriately shortly after they crossed Shamali Bazar. She confronted him on the spot, and both the female co-passenger and the driver reprimanded the accused. However, the situation escalated after the female co-passenger alighted at Battala. The accused resumed his inappropriate behaviour, prompting the frightened student to ask the driver to force him out.
“The man became aggressive and started threatening me. I was crying and shaking. Even after he was made to get down, he chased the auto. The driver stayed with me until other people gathered. Only then did he stop,” she said. The student also recorded the entire ordeal on her phone, providing crucial evidence.
The trauma of the experience has left the victim shaken, questioning her safety in public spaces. “This happened in broad daylight. How am I ever going to feel safe again?” she said.
The incident has sparked intense outrage, with both male and female students and citizens demanding strict legal action. Calls for increased safety measures for women using public transport have also grown louder. The case is now under investigation, with authorities urged to take swift and exemplary action to restore public confidence and ensure justice for the victim.
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