Agartala: The unnatural death of a 32-year-old housewife has triggered a political storm in Tripura after the name of a sitting MLA’s close relative surfaced in the case. Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha has ordered a thorough probe and informed the public that police have already detained four persons.
The incident occurred in the Mirza area of Udaipur under Gomati district, Tripura. The deceased, identified as Anjali Sarkar, was found lying charred on a road in Mirza Bazar on the morning of September 19. Her husband alleged that she had been murdered by a group of five persons, though some sources claimed it to be a case of suicide. The incident took place a day after the couple had filed a complaint alleging assault by a group of youths.
An official from Kakraban police station said that Anjali’s husband lodged an FIR naming five persons. “Four accused — Anupam Majumder alias Manna, Kinkar Das, Dipankar Das and Akash Das — have been detained for questioning. The case has been registered under BNS sections 71, 351(2), 118(2), and 103(2). The prime accused, Litan Das, is still absconding and raids are underway to trace him,” the official stated.
Among those detained, Anupam Majumder is the nephew of BJP MLA Jitendra Majumder. Sources said the victim and her husband were manhandled on the night of September 18 by Litan Das and his associates. They sought police assistance immediately, but the on-duty officer allegedly failed to respond. Following the controversy, Assistant Sub-Inspector Sanjoy Sarkar was placed under suspension.
Chief Minister Saha wrote on social media: “A detailed inquiry has been ordered into the Mirza incident. All those involved in this heinous crime will be brought to justice as per the law. Four accused persons have already been arrested.”
The incident has sparked strong political reactions. A delegation of Left leaders, led by MLA Shyamal Chakraborty, visited the victim’s house and later announced that the issue would be raised in the Assembly. Congress leaders, including CLP leader Birajit Sinha and CWC member Sudip Roy Barman, also met the bereaved family. “We don’t consider this an unnatural death. The sequence of events clearly points to a murder. The involvement of an MLA’s nephew raises serious concerns. We expect the strictest action from the police,” Roy Barman said.
Meanwhile, Finance Minister Pranajit Singha Roy and Matabari BJP MLA Abhisek Debroy also visited the victim’s residence to offer condolences.
According to local sources, Litan Das, the son of a ruling party leader, had helped the couple set up a shop and was a frequent visitor. However, relations soured recently for unexplained reasons, and since then, the couple had allegedly been facing threats and intimidation.
Police stated that the investigation is ongoing and that all possible angles are being explored.
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