Allegations of harassment involving five young women during Durga Puja celebrations in the capital city have raised fresh concerns over women’s safety on the streets of Agartala during the festive season.
According to the allegations, the incident took place while the five women were visiting pandals in the city on a festive night. The alleged harassment occurred on the stretch between Flowers Club at Math Chowmuhani and BBC Club, where a young man was accused of following them and taking their photographs without their consent.
The women had reportedly visited the Durga Puja pandal at Flowers Club and were proceeding towards BBC Club when the young man allegedly began following them and taking their pictures. The women reportedly became suspicious of his behaviour and confronted him.
Showing courage, they allegedly checked the man’s mobile phone and found photographs of themselves on the device. This led to a heated exchange between the women and the accused, creating a tense situation in the area.
The incident has drawn attention to the challenges women may face while visiting crowded public places during major festivals. Durga Puja attracts large numbers of visitors to Agartala’s streets and pandals, making public safety and respectful behaviour particularly important during the celebrations.
The allegations have also renewed questions about the effectiveness of security arrangements for women during the festive season. While ensuring a safe environment for visitors remains a key responsibility of the authorities, incidents of alleged harassment can undermine public confidence.
Many will now be watching to see whether the matter is formally reported to the police and what action, if any, follows. As of the available information, no official police statement or confirmation of action in connection with the incident was available.
The allegations remain to be independently verified.
