Growing allegations of misconduct and criminal behavior against law enforcement officers in Tripura have drawn sharp criticism from Opposition leader Jitendra Chaudhury. Highlighting recent cases involving theft and harassment within police premises, the senior Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader called for accountability and urged the state force to uphold its constitutional obligations without yielding to political influence.
High Court Intervention and Misconduct Allegations
The allegations span multiple districts in the state, involving high-ranking officers responsible for local law enforcement. On Tuesday, the Tripura High Court intervened in a case involving the Officer-in-Charge of Bishalgarh police station in Sepahijala district. The court directed authorities to officially register a First Information Report (FIR) against the station chief following accusations regarding the theft of gold ornaments.
In a separate case in North Tripura district, a female activist lodged a complaint directly with the Superintendent of Police on Monday. She alleged that the Officer-in-Charge inside Kanchanpur police station attempted to molest her. These consecutive incidents have intensified public scrutiny surrounding the conduct of station commanders across the region.
Opposition Demands Transparency and Accountability
Addressing the growing number of complaints, Jitendra Chaudhury emphasized that while allegations require investigation, the frequency of such reports undermines public trust in law enforcement. "I am not saying that the allegations are hundred per cent genuine, but the way complaints are coming against the police is a grave concern for the citizens of the state," Chaudhury stated, highlighting the urgent need for institutional reflection.
The CPI(M) state secretary also raised questions regarding the ongoing investigation into the death of Tripura Director General of Police (DGP) Anurag Dhankar. The top officer was discovered hanging in a washroom at the police headquarters in Agartala on July 20. Chaudhury criticized the slow progress of the probe, demanding clear answers and transparency regarding the circumstances of the incident.
Furthermore, Chaudhury expressed deep concern over the lack of stringent punitive action against drug networks. Despite law enforcement agencies seizing illicit narcotics valued at crores of rupees across Tripura, effective prosecutions and convictions remain limited, raising questions about enforcement effectiveness.
Preserving the Legacy of Tripura Police
Chaudhury reminded officers of the historic reputation of the Tripura Police, an organization previously honored with the President's Colour for exceptional service. He noted the force's distinguished history in countering armed insurgent groups that once operated in the state, including the Tripura National Volunteers (TNV), the National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT), and the All Tripura Tiger Force (ATTF).
To protect this legacy, the Leader of Opposition called upon personnel across all ranks to remain strictly committed to the Constitution of India. He cautioned officers against accepting unlawful directions or pressure from ruling party leaders, asserting that strict neutrality and adherence to law are vital to preserving the force's credibility and public respect.
