By Firstdespatch Desk Apr 23, 2026
Agartala, Apr 23 (FD) Panic gripped Udaipur–Sonamura Chowmuhani in Tripura’s Gomati district on Wednesday evening after a speeding vehicle linked to a VIP movement struck pedestrians, leaving several people injured.
The incident occurred when Chief Minister Manik Saha was returning to Agartala from South Tripura. Eyewitnesses initially claimed that a vehicle in the Chief Minister’s convoy hit multiple pedestrians in the busy Chowmuhani area, triggering chaos and anger among locals.
Among the injured, 26-year-old Shubhamoy Saha was reported to be in critical condition initially, while others sustained injuries of varying severity. All the injured were rushed to nearby healthcare facilities for treatment.
The accident sparked protests in the area, with agitated residents gathering at the spot and briefly disrupting traffic, alleging reckless driving by vehicles associated with VIP movement. Senior police officials rushed to the scene and brought the situation under control.
Later, Gomati Superintendent of Police Kiran Kumar clarified that the vehicle involved was not part of the Chief Minister’s convoy but a police escort vehicle. Preliminary findings indicate that the driver lost control due to overspeeding, he said.
The SP added that allegations of the driver being under the influence of alcohol are being examined, and a medical test has been conducted. “Strict legal action will be taken if any wrongdoing is established,” he said, adding that the injured youth is now out of danger.
The incident has reignited concerns over the conduct of escort vehicles during VIP movements in the state. Residents questioned the enforcement of traffic norms, alleging that while common citizens face penalties for violations, escort vehicles often flout rules even in crowded areas.
Police said a detailed investigation is underway, and appropriate action will be taken based on the findings. FD JK