Villagers Protest Following Death of Badal Tripura in Police Custody

Agartala, Oct 17, 2024, By Our Correspondent

Agartala: Oct 17: Badal Tripura, who was allegedly tortured in police custody, passed away last night while undergoing treatment at GB Hospital. In response, villagers besieged the Manu police station in Sabrum subdivision and blocked the national highway today. District Police Superintendent Ashok Kumar Sinha, local MLA Mailafru, and MDC Debjit Tripura arrived at the scene to address the situation. They assured the protesters that a proper investigation would be conducted and appropriate action taken against those responsible. Following this assurance, the villagers lifted the blockade.

Badal Tripura (38), a resident of Bipinchandra Para in Kaladepa, and Chiranjit Tripura were detained on Sunday on charges of rubber theft. According to family members, both detainees were severely beaten at the police station, resulting in serious injuries to Badal Tripura. On Monday, family members who visited the police station found Badal Tripura with visible injury marks and learned that he had been beaten by the police. He was subsequently taken to Manu Bazar Rural Hospital and later transferred to Shantirbazar District Hospital for advanced treatment.

Following the incident, South District Police Superintendent Ashok Kumar Sinha and Sub-Divisional Police Officer Nityananda Sarkar reviewed CCTV footage from the police station. They found that SI Premjit Roy and three Special Police Officers (SPOs) had severely beaten Badal Tripura. Despite his serious condition, he was not taken to the hospital immediately. As a result, the District Police Superintendent decided to dismiss the SI and the three SPOs from service.

The death of Badal Tripura has led to widespread tension in the area, prompting today’s protest and blockade. The authorities have promised a thorough investigation to ensure justice is served.