Police personnel of Kailashahar under Unakoti district have recovered two motorcycles that were stolen during a cultural programme organized as part of the Ganesh Puja celebrations and arrested three bike lifters in connection with the theft.
Police sources said that the registration number plates and locks of both motorcycles had been changed after the theft in an apparent attempt to conceal their identities. Investigators are also probing whether more people were involved and whether the accused are part of a larger vehicle theft racket.
Every year, the Panichowki Bazar Ganesh Puja Committee in Kailashahar organizes a week-long Ganesh Puja celebration. As part of this year's festivities, a cultural programme featuring singer Snigdhajit Bhowmik was held at Netaji Corner on September 19, drawing thousands of spectators from across the undivided North Tripura district.
Among those attending the event were Sanjit Rudra Paul of Durgapur under Bir Chandra Nagar Gram Panchayat and Ajit Das of Samarurpar Gram Panchayat in Kailashahar, who had parked their motorcycles in front of the LIC office before attending the programme.
When they returned after the event, both motorcycles were missing. After searching unsuccessfully for a long time, they informed Kailashahar police station late that night and lodged written complaints the following day, September 20.
Based on the complaints, police registered a case (No. 59/26) and launched an investigation. Reports also indicated that attempts had been made to break the locks of several other motorcycles parked in the area on the same night.
During the investigation, police recovered Sanjit Rudra Paul's red Hero Super Splendor motorcycle (Registration No. TR02-F-5740) from Kailashahar, while Ajit Das's black Hero Super Splendor (Registration No. TR02-G-7906) was recovered from an area near Kumarghat Railway Station.
Police said both motorcycles had their number plates and locks replaced after being stolen. Three bike lifters were arrested for their involvement in the case.
Speaking to reporters, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Kailashahar police station, Tapas Malakar, said the investigation is continuing to determine whether additional suspects were involved and to uncover the full extent of the vehicle theft network.