Two more die in post-poll Tripura violence

AGARTALA: Post-poll violence continued unabated for the fourth day in Tripura, with clashes claiming two more lives. BJP worker Shibu Das (20), a resident of Khayerpur area, and fish trader Apu Das (56) are the latest victims, with both being attacked on the streets and killed in cold blood. Earlier, BJP worker Mithu Bhowmik was murdered in Fatikcherra area of northern Agartala on Friday.
Soon after the results, there were reports of workers of the ruling BJP launching attacks on their CPM and Congress counterpart. The attacks and clashes have continued till now, with three dead, more than 150 people injured and 30 private houses and offices of opposition parties burnt down. Police have registered 23 cases and arrested 64 persons from across the state. However, despite the police action and chief minister Biplab Deb's firm warning that action will be taken against the perpetrators, the violence has gone on unabated.
On Saturday night, Shibu Das, who recently joined BJP, was hacked to death by thee men. Shibu was walking with his two friends when the attackers ambushed them. Though his friends managed to flee the spot, Shibu was beaten badly and left by the roadside.
With the help of information from his friends, villagers and fire brigade personnel later found Shibu and shifted him to a hospital. He succumbed to his injuries in the morning. However, before he died, he could name two of his attackers - two men who recently left CPM and joined BJP, Shibu's mother told the media.
On Saturday, fish trader Apu Das was allegedly attacked by a group of people, who were wearing saffron scarves, in Sonamura Chowmuhani. Das was beaten up badly and died on the spot.
"We demand adequate compensation for all the victims and all the culprits should be arrested," said Tripura Congress president Pradyot Kishore Deb Barman. CPM leader Pabitra Kar said, "This is total failure of the government." However, BJP spokesperson Nabendu Bhattacharjee alleged that a section of Congress and CPM workers are indulging in violence to spoil the image of the ruling BJP.
The state government on Saturday night suspended Khayerpur police outpost OC Khohan Das for dereliction of duty.