Drug Trade Dispute Behind Shalbagan Murder: BJP Leader Rajib Saha Among Two Arrested for Rakesh Killing
By Our Correspondent
Agartala, July 22, 2025
In a shocking revelation, the murder of Rakesh (alias Mona) in Shalbagan, the capital's prime locality, has been linked to an internal conflict over the distribution of drug trade proceeds. Police from the NCC police station have arrested two influential BJP leaders, Rajib Saha, a former panchayat member from East Gandhigram, and Tapas Ghosh, for their alleged involvement in the crime.
According to sources, several local political figures and public representatives from areas like Shalbagan, Hatipara, and BSF Para have long been under suspicion for their role in the growing drug trade in the area. These individuals frequently gathered at the Oxygen Park in Shalbagan late into the night, using it as a base to plan and manage narcotics operations.
On Sunday night, during one such meeting, a heated altercation reportedly broke out over the distribution of profits from the drug business. The dispute escalated into a violent attack led by Khokan Das and his associate, who assaulted Rakesh, Sanjit, and Papon with a sharp weapon (da). The BJP leaders present at the scene allegedly fled, leaving the victims behind.
Locals and market traders who witnessed the incident rushed to help. While Khokan and his accomplice tried to escape, an angry mob caught them near Subhash Colony and beat them severely before handing them over to authorities. The injured attackers and victims were all taken to GBP Hospital.
Rakesh succumbed to his injuries around midnight. Three others, including Sanjit and Papon, are undergoing treatment at the hospital. Based on the complaint and initial investigation, NCC Police registered a case and arrested Rajib Saha and Tapas Ghosh on Monday. Both were produced in court, which granted three days of police custody for further interrogation.
The incident has sent shockwaves across the state, exposing the alleged nexus between politics and the drug mafia in the capital city. Police sources suggest more arrests may follow as investigations progress.
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