Agartala: The Tripura Human Rights Commission (THRC) has instructed the state government to take action against senior police officer Prasun Kanti Tripura for misusing his authority, participating in unlawful assembly, and causing a public nuisance. The independent investigation by the Commission found Tripura guilty of assaulting Dr. Kaushik Debnath in Agartala on January 25, 2024. This conclusion followed a complaint lodged by Dr. Debnath’s father with the THRC shortly after the incident, prompting the Commission’s parallel investigation.
The THRC recommended that the Police Department initiate disciplinary proceedings against Prasun Kanti Tripura and that compensation of Rs. 25,000 be paid to Dr. Debnath, with the amount to be deducted from the officer’s salary.
It is noteworthy that the accused officer, Prasun Kanti Tripura, is widely known on social media for his daily life vlogs, which have amassed a significant following. His content gained popularity during his tenure as SDPO in Teliamura, Khowai District.
According to the 26-page order from the THRC, the investigation uncovered that Prasun Kanti Tripura provided false testimony and attempted to justify his actions with fabricated accounts. Evidence indicated that Tripura, accompanied by 15-20 people, arrived prepared at a tri-junction near the AG office. He tried to harm Binoy Banik and, along with others, assaulted Dr. Debnath after Tripura’s daughter mistakenly identified him as a suspect.
The incident stemmed from a minor accident involving a car driven by either Tripura’s son or daughter. Dr. Debnath and his father had left their house to collect a food delivery, with Dr. Debnath’s mobile phone tracking the delivery. This was misinterpreted by Tripura’s daughter as recording the commotion. Despite no evidence supporting this claim, Tripura’s daughter seized Dr. Debnath’s phone, which was later returned by SI Joynal Hossain and officers from the Abhoynagar outpost.
The THRC determined that Prasun Kanti Tripura abused his position by leading an unlawful assembly and physically assaulting Dr. Debnath, who sustained significant injuries. Tripura and his associates followed the victim to the Abhoynagar outpost, where further violence was only prevented by police intervention.
The investigation further revealed that Tripura had left his post as SDPO Amtali, located on the southern side of the city, without permission from SP, West Tripura, to engage in the assault. His claim that his son had been hospitalized prior to his arrival was disproven; evidence showed that his children followed Dr. Debnath’s vehicle.
The THRC report emphasized that Tripura’s actions violated the professional ethics expected of a police officer, showing abuse of power and involvement in an unlawful assembly. This conduct erodes public trust in law enforcement and endangers societal safety. The Commission concluded that Dr. Debnath’s injuries resulted from a misunderstanding over a minor issue and found no credible reports of injury to Tripura’s children.
In its recommendations, the THRC directed the Home Department of the Government of Tripura to pay a token compensation of Rs. 25,000 to Dr. Debnath, with the sum to be recovered from Prasun Kanti Tripura’s salary for misconduct. The Commission also urged the police department to proceed with disciplinary actions against the officer for leaving his post without authorization and leading an unlawful assembly that inflicted grievous harm on Dr. Debnath.
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The THRC id misusing it’s power. Where are you when Late Biswajit Debbarma was murdered in broad day light by the intruders. Are your association not formed during that time? Don’t try to bring communal disturbance among the people. Try to mend your torn shoes.