A wave of concern has gripped the Kadamtala market area under Kadamtala block in North Tripura after unidentified miscreants allegedly poured a pesticide-like substance into a mosque pond during the night, killing around 10 quintals of fish. The incident reportedly took place on Saturday night at the pond of Kadamtala Bazar Mosque, causing losses estimated at over Rs 1 lakh.
On Sunday morning, members of the mosque committee went to the pond and were shocked to find a large number of dead fish floating on the water. Committee members described the incident as unprecedented and said they could not have imagined such an act taking place at a religious institution.
After the incident came to light, the local police administration was informed and police rushed to the spot and inspected the area.
The incident has also raised questions over security in the market area. Local residents alleged that despite the presence of night guards and regular police patrolling, several business establishments in the area have recently witnessed thefts. The alleged poisoning of the mosque pond has now triggered fresh concerns among residents.
Meanwhile, keeping in mind the possibility of the dead and decomposing fish causing environmental hazards or harm to people and animals, members of the mosque committee removed the fish from the pond and buried them in a pit dug beside the pond.
Mosque committee members said that no one was seen carrying out the alleged act at the time of the incident. They said they were leaving the matter to Allah while demanding that the administration conduct a thorough investigation, identify those responsible and bring them to justice with exemplary punishment. The mosque committee strongly condemned the incident.
The exact motive behind the incident and the identities of those involved will become clear only after the investigation. However, the alleged poisoning of the mosque pond under the cover of darkness and the destruction of such a large quantity of fish have already raised serious questions over security arrangements in Kadamtala market.
Meanwhile, residents of the peace-loving Kadamtala area alleged that a section of miscreants has been repeatedly engaging in anti-social activities and attempting to disturb the peaceful environment of the locality. They warned that unless the administration takes strict action at an early stage, there could be a risk of peace and communal harmony being disrupted at any time.