Muslim rickshaw puller assaulted in Agartala after Bangladesh minority violence reference
Agartala: A Muslim rickshaw puller was brutally assaulted and nearly killed by a group of unidentified men in Agartala on January 1 evening. The incident took place near the Gangail Nivedita Club area at around 6.30 pm.
The injured man has been identified as Didar Hossain, a resident of Abhaynagar, who earns his livelihood as a rickshaw puller. According to his statement to the police, Hossain was intercepted by four to five unknown persons alleged to be Hindutva activists, assaulted, pushed into a pile of sand, and an attempt was made to set him on fire.
Hossain survived after the assailants fled the spot on hearing his screams for help.
The victim later lodged a written complaint at the Durga Chowmuhani Outpost, describing the sequence of events. In the complaint, he stated that he suffered serious physical injuries and severe psychological trauma due to the attack and is currently undergoing medical treatment.
ALSO READ: Congress and NCP (SP) to contest separately in Nagpur civic polls
“Later, they forcibly pushed me into a pile of sand and tried to kill me by setting me on fire with the clear intention of killing me,” the FIR stated.
A local resident, Habib Ur Rahman, said that the attackers allegedly questioned Hossain about his identity before assaulting him. He added that the assailants raised questions related to violence against minorities in Bangladesh.
“Hossain reportedly asked the attackers what his crime was. In response, they referred to attacks on minorities across the border,” Rahman said.
Police have registered a case against unidentified persons under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including Section 109 for attempt to murder, Section 115(2) for causing grievous hurt, and Section 326 related to arson or attempt to cause death by fire.
The incident led to protests in Agartala, with people taking out a march demanding the immediate arrest of the accused and strict action.
Indian National Congress MLA Sudip Roy Barman and TIPRA Motha leader Shah Alam were among those who joined the demonstration.
Shah Alam alleged that the police response had been inadequate. “Except for registering a complaint, the police have not done anything substantial so far. This is also the case in other incidents related to minorities,” he said.
Police officials have not issued a detailed response on the progress of the investigation so far.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Experience comes when you play bigger teams in bilateral series: Rashid Khan
Chennai (PTI): Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan called for more bilateral series against stronger cricketing nations after his team signed off from the T20 World Cup on a high, defeating Canada in their final group match here on Thursday.
Afghanistan played some exhilarating cricket, going down to South Africa in a gripping second Super Over after the scores were tied, a humdinger that provided one of the early thrills of the World Cup.
However, the spin-bowling stalwart said Afghanistan could make significant strides if they get regular opportunities to compete against stronger cricketing nations.
"Couple of areas to improve, with the batting, the middle order got a bit stuck against the big teams, and then with the bowling the death overs. That comes when you play the bigger teams in bilateral series," said Rashid after his team defeat Canada by 82 runs, with him returning excellent figures of 2 for 19.
The stalwart said the side had arrived well prepared for the tournament and produced some breathtaking cricket, but admitted the narrow defeat to South Africa proved costly and remained a painful setback.
"We were well-prepared (for the tournament), we played some unbelievable cricket. The game against South Africa, that really hurt everyone. We had to win one of those (first two) games and see how the tournament unfolded. We'll take some positive things from this World Cup and look forward," he said.
With head coach Jonathan Trott set to part ways with the team, Rashid described the departure as an "emotional" moment for the side.
"I think we had some wonderful times with him. Where we are now, he played a main role. It's emotional to see him leave us, but that's how life is. We wish him all the best and somewhere down the line we see him again."
Ibrahim Zadran, who was named Player of the Match for his unbeaten 95 off 56 balls, said it was satisfying to finally register a substantial score after two below-par outings.
"I enjoyed it, didn't play better cricket in first two innings, which I expect. Wanted to back my skills, really enjoyed it. Pressure was there, it's there all the time. I want to put myself in pressure situations and enjoy it," said Zadran.
"Wanted to play positive cricket, rotate strike and punish bad ball, create partnerships and this is what I have done."
