Tripura: Villagers vandalise power office after 13-year-old girl electrocuted, cop injured

Situation turned tense in Ambassa subdivision of Dhalai district, Tripura, after villagers attacked the office of the Tripura State Electricity Corporation Limited (TSECL), vandalising property and injuring the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Ambassa Police Station late on Wednesday, April 15 night.

The incident occurred after a high-voltage electric wire fell on a house, injuring a 13 year old girl.

Following the incident, the Ambassa Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) issued a show-cause notice to the Deputy General Manager (DGM) and the Senior Manager of TSECL, Ambassa.

In the notice, the SDM stated that all concerned departments under Ambassa Sub-Division had earlier been directed to remain alert and not leave their stations to ensure an effective response to disaster situations.

“Whereas it has been observed that after the recent electric wire incident at Ambassa Market area on 04/04/2026, the memo issued under the Disaster Management Act, 2005 was required to be complied with by your office to ensure uninterrupted essential services and public safety. However, a similar incident occurred again on 15 April 2026 at around 4:30 PM in the same location, and upon investigation, it was found that you were out of station,” the notice said.

The notice further stated that the officials failed, refused, or neglected to perform their assigned duties, particularly in relation to preventive measures, thereby adversely affecting disaster management efforts and posing a risk to public safety.

“Such failure or negligence attracts provisions of Section 56 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, which provides for punishment for failure of an officer in duty. Therefore, you are hereby directed to show cause within three days from the date of receipt of this notice as to why action should not be initiated against you. Your written explanation must reach this office within the stipulated time, failing which it will be presumed that you have nothing to state in your defence, and appropriate action will be taken ex parte as per law,” the order reads.

Tripura Police sources told India Today NE that yesterday at around 5 PM on Wednesday, a large crowd gathered at Ambassa Market and attempted to block the National Highway.

Tripura Police presonnel along with his staff, rushed to the spot after receiving information. Upon arrival, they found a large gathering attempting to blockade the road.

"Preliminary inquiry revealed that an electric wire had detached from the main line and fallen on the roof of one Samajit Modak’s house. His 13-year-old daughter, Monti Modak, came into contact with the live wire while playing on the roof and was electrocuted. She was immediately shifted to Kulai Hospital for treatment. Soon after, the crowd marched towards the TSECL Ambassa branch office and attempted to attack it", said police.

Police personnel tried to prevent the mob from entering the premises. Meanwhile, OC Nandan Das and additional forces arrived at the scene.

However, the crowd broke open the gate of the TSECL office, entered the premises, and vandalised property, including vehicles, office furniture, and chambers. They also attacked the staff quarters.

During the chaos, some unidentified miscreants assaulted OC Nandan Das, leaving him injured. He was later shifted to Kulai District Hospital for treatment.

Police have registered a case, and an investigation is currently underway.