Suspected Bangladeshi flag on Rickshaw, two detained

Tension flared in the Joynagar area of Agartala on Thursday late night after locals detained two individuals in connection with a rickshaw allegedly bearing the national flag of Bangladesh.

The incident unfolded when residents spotted the flag painted on the back of a rickshaw and confronted the rickshaw puller, identified as Mangal Mia. The rickshaw was reportedly owned by Dulal Mia, a 62-year-old tea seller from Battala Market, who also rents out two rickshaws.

Dulal Mia later arrived at the scene and publicly apologized, claiming the flag was painted by mistake.

"I have made a big mistake. I sincerely apologize. The flag was painted unknowingly by a local artist. I had no idea it resembled the Bangladeshi national flag," he said.

Mangal Mia, who had been using the rickshaw for the past week, told reporters he was unaware of the flag when he first rented the vehicle.

"I sold my own rickshaw and was planning to buy an electric auto-rickshaw. Due to government restrictions, I rented this one from Dulal Mia. Some locals had already raised concerns, and I informed the owner to repaint it. Unfortunately, nothing was done,” he said.

An eyewitness recalled, "We noticed the rickshaw had what looked like the Bangladeshi flag. When we questioned the puller, he said he wasn't responsible and that the owner would be able to explain."

The situation escalated as locals expressed resentment, citing past incidents where the Indian flag was allegedly disrespected in Bangladesh. Their anger intensified upon spotting the foreign symbol in the heart of the Tripura capital.

Police from the Battala Outpost arrived at the scene and took both Dulal and Mangal Mia into custody for questioning.

"A case has been registered, and an investigation is underway," a police official confirmed.