Congress MLA Sudip Roy Barman faced a one-day suspension from the Tripura Legislative Assembly on Monday after bringing up contentious questions surrounding the alleged suicide note of former state DGP Anurag Dhankar. The development triggered sharp protests from opposition lawmakers and led to a walkout by the CPI(M).
The Clash Erupts After Question Hour
The dramatic incident unfolded on the second day of the ongoing Assembly session, coming immediately after the conclusion of Question Hour. Sudip Roy Barman seized the floor to question the circumstances of the death and the existence of the note, prompting an immediate intervention from Speaker Rampada Jamatia.
Demanding Public Disclosure of the Note
The Congress legislator questioned why the purported note had not been made public, citing recent statements from Anurag Dhankar’s wife, who recently arrived in Agartala and reportedly claimed she possessed a photograph of the document. Posing direct questions on the floor, the lawmaker asked why the note was removed, whether the uniform was checked properly, and what pressures might have driven the former police chief to take his own life.
Speaker Cites Ongoing Police Probe
Speaker Rampada Jamatia directed the MLA to drop the subject, noting that the events leading to Anurag Dhankar’s death were already under formal investigation. The Speaker accused Sudip Roy Barman of flouting legislative rules, stating that the Chief Minister had already delivered two statements on the matter and warning against confusing the House and the public.
Well Protests Lead to Police Escort
Despite repeated calls from the Speaker to resume their seats, Congress and CPI(M) MLAs led by Sudip Roy Barman swarmed into the well of the House to register their protest. Consequently, Jamatia ordered Roy Barman’s suspension under the applicable rules. When the MLA refused to depart immediately, security and police personnel were instructed to escort him off the premises.
Opposition Walkout and Ongoing Questions
In solidarity following the punitive action against Sudip Roy Barman, all opposition legislators belonging to the Congress and CPI(M) walked out of the chamber. The tense confrontation highlights the lingering unanswered questions regarding the death of former DGP Anurag Dhankar and the status of the ongoing investigation into the missing note.
