Closing ceremony of Unity Promo Fest-2025: Chaos erupts as thousands stranded outside stadium

A massive chaotic situation unfolded in and around Swami Vivekananda Stadium in Agartala on Friday evening during the grand closing ceremony of the month-long Unity Promo Fest–2025, leaving thousands of people stranded on the roads despite holding valid passes, including VIP passes.

Around 6:30 PM, police and security personnel closed Gate No. 2, the designated entry point for VIP pass holders, after the venue became overcrowded. As queues grew longer and frustrations mounted, police resorted to lathi-charge on young people and couples waiting to enter the stadium.

The sudden police action triggered panic, scuffles, and further chaos among the crowd. Several individuals reportedly sustained injuries during the indiscriminate lathi-charge and clashes with security forces.

According to sources, multiple injured persons were shifted to GB Hospital by fire service personnel for treatment.

The Swami Vivekananda Stadium can accommodate 20,000 to 22,000 spectators, including gallery seating on all sides. However, the Tripura Tourism Department, the organizer of Unity Promo Fest-2025, allegedly distributed more than 40,000 passes — including VVIP passes, VIP passes, and general entry passes in three colours — far exceeding the venue’s capacity.

Speaking to the media, hundreds of disgruntled visitors criticized the state government and the Tourism Department, stating that issuing over 40,000 passes for a 20,000-capacity stadium showed a lack of planning and regard for public safety. Women, children, and elderly attendees were among those who faced severe difficulty in the overcrowded situation.

Police officials have not issued any formal statement about the incident or confirmed the extent of injuries during the chaotic scenes that unfolded during Bollywood playback singer Jubin Nautiyal’s concert, attended by Tripura Tourism brand ambassador Sourav Ganguly.