Tensions flare in Agartala over rickshaw bearing Bangladeshi flag, two held

Two rickshaw pullers in the Joynagar area of Agartala, Tripura, were detained by locals on the night of April 25 for allegedly displaying the national flag of Bangladesh on the back of a rickshaw. The incident caused tension in the area.
 

The owner of the rickshaw, identified as Dulal Mia (62) publicly apologised, claiming the flag was painted by mistake.
 

"I have made a big mistake. I sincerely apologise. I am a tea seller at Battala Market and also own two rickshaws. The flag was drawn by mistake by a painter—I didn't realize it. Please forgive me," Dulal Mia stated.
 

Rickshaw puller, identified as Mangal Mia, who had rented the rickshaw from Dulal Mia a week ago, said he was unaware of the flag when he began using the vehicle.
 

"I sold my rickshaw and was planning to buy an electric auto-rickshaw. But due to various restrictions by the state government, I rented this rickshaw from Dulal Mia and have been using it for the past seven days," he explained.
 

He added that several locals had previously objected to the flag and he had informed the owner, requesting him to remove or change it—but no action was taken.
 

An eyewitness said, "We noticed the rickshaw had the Bangladeshi national flag on it. When we confronted the rickshaw puller, he said he wasn’t responsible and the owner would know about it. Dulal Mia later came to the spot and admitted that the flag had been painted unknowingly by a painter."
 

Locals also expressed anger, alleging that Indian flags have been dishonored in Bangladesh, which fueled their outrage upon seeing a Bangladeshi flag in Agartala.
 

Subsequently, Battala Outpost police detained both individuals and took them to the police station for questioning.
 

A police official confirmed, "Two persons were detained after locals reported a suspected Bangladeshi flag painted on a rickshaw. The matter is under investigation."