Agartala: The Tripura Human Rights Commission (THRC) has taken suo moto cognizance of two recent incidents—the alleged custodial death of a man and the stabbing of a businessman in Agartala—and has asked the Director General of Police (DGP) to submit reports on both matters.
THRC Chairman Justice SC Das directed the DGP to submit reports within a stipulated period, fixing the dates for the next hearings on November 5 and November 12, respectively, according to separate orders issued by the human rights body.
A news report published across various daily newspapers in Tripura highlighted that a person named Badal Tripura, a resident of Kaladhepa area under Sabroom Police Station, was allegedly arrested by police on charges of theft of rubber sheets. It is further alleged that Badal was subjected to physical torture while in custody, leading to his death. The report added that the incident sparked significant resentment among local residents, who believe that police brutality caused Badal’s death.
The THRC, in its order regarding the case of alleged police brutality, has asked the DGP to submit his report within 15 days. The order noted, “It is also reported that five police personnel have been suspended, and a case has been registered. The allegations, as reported in the news items, appear to be a prima facie violation of human rights. Therefore, provisional cognizance has been taken, and the Commission is satisfied to direct the DGP, Tripura, to inquire into the matter immediately and submit an interim inquiry report within 15 days, pending a detailed inquiry and full report.”
Regarding the stabbing of a businessman, the human rights panel took note of apparent police inaction during the incident, which occurred in full public view. The stabbing took place on October 15, 2024, at a mobile shop in the Melarmath area of Hari Ganga Basak Road, Agartala. The victim, identified as 55-year-old Hari Shankar Saha, was reportedly working in his shop when a man named Rahul Roy entered, hurled abusive language at him, dragged him outside, and stabbed him repeatedly.
The report further stated that while Saha cried for help, the incident unfolded in the presence of hundreds of bystanders, including police and Tripura State Rifles (TSR) personnel who were allegedly nearby but failed to intervene initially. The assailant was eventually subdued by locals and handed over to the police.
The THRC’s order regarding the stabbing incident noted, “It is also reported that Hari Shankar succumbed to his injuries today, i.e. on October 18, 2024. It may be presumed that a criminal case has been registered, and police action is underway. However, given reports in newspapers that police personnel were near the scene and failed to act immediately while the attack was ongoing, the Commission seeks a report to determine whether there was any negligence on the part of public servants.”
The Commission further added, “While it is presumed that the Tripura Police acts with dignity and courage, such reports tarnish the state’s policing reputation. The DGP, Tripura, is directed to submit a report on the incident. After reviewing the report, the Commission will determine further action.”
It should be noted that hundreds of Congress supporters gathered outside the Tripura Human Rights Commission office on Saturday, chanting slogans against the Commission’s alleged “inaction” in dealing with the increasing number of human rights violations in the state.
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