Agartala: A late-night commotion broke out in Agartala’s Joynagar area on Thursday after locals spotted a rickshaw bearing what appeared to be the national flag of Bangladesh, triggering protests and resulting in the detention of two individuals.
The rickshaw, reportedly owned by Dulal Mia (62), a tea seller from Battala Market, had the flag painted on its rear. Locals confronted the rickshaw puller, who clarified that he had rented the vehicle a week ago and was unaware of the flag until objections were raised.
“I had sold my rickshaw to switch to an electric auto-rickshaw. Since that didn’t work out due to government restrictions, I rented this one from Dulal Mia. I noticed the flag earlier and even informed him about it,” the rickshaw puller said.
Dulal Mia later arrived at the scene and publicly apologized, claiming the flag had been painted mistakenly by a local artist. “It was an honest mistake. I had no idea it was the Bangladeshi flag. I sincerely apologize,” he told the crowd.
Witnesses said the situation escalated as locals, already sensitive over alleged incidents of Indian flags being disrespected in Bangladesh, reacted strongly to the sight. Both Dulal Mia and the rickshaw puller were handed over to the police by the crowd.
Officers in-charge of Battala Outpost confirmed the detention and said an investigation is underway, but no case has yet been registered.