Staff Correspondent | Sonamura August 5, 2025:

In what is being termed as a horrific incident during the so-called era of “good governance” in the state, a brutal robbery has shaken the town of Sonamura. Late on Wednesday night, a gang of 10–12 robbers stormed a house in Ward No. 4 of Shree Durga Sangha area, under Melaghar Kalam Khet Gram Panchayat, and committed a heinous crime — killing an 80-year-old man and grievously injuring his 70-year-old wife.

The victims, Shantiranjan Das (80) and his wife Namita Das (70), were living alone in their house. Their three sons—one working with the TSR and the other two engaged in business in Agartala—were not present at the time of the incident.

According to sources, the robbers entered the house under the cover of darkness and attempted to snatch gold ornaments from the elderly woman’s ears and neck. When the couple resisted, the robbers tied up Shantiranjan Das and beat him to death. Namita Das was brutally attacked with sharp weapons, leaving her critically injured.

Neighbors discovered the gruesome scene early in the morning and alerted the police. Officers from Sonamura Police Station, along with a large contingent led by the Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO), rushed to the scene and launched an investigation. The area was cordoned off, and local residents were interrogated as part of the probe.

Namita Das was rushed to GB Hospital in Agartala in critical condition, while her husband was declared dead at the scene.

The incident has triggered widespread panic in the area, with locals raising serious concerns over safety and law and order. “If we are not safe even in our own homes, then where are we truly safe?” asked one distressed resident.

According to police sources, three suspects have already been detained from Kathalia Mura area under Sonamura Police Station. Officials believe that further interrogation of the detained individuals will help uncover the identities and whereabouts of the remaining members of the robbery gang.