CM Dr. Manik Saha Unaware of New Bar-Cum-Restaurant Near Rabindra Bhavan, Orders Inquiry Into Lease Issued Four Year's Ago
By Our Correspondent
Agartala, September 10, 2025
A fresh controversy has erupted in the state capital after reports emerged about the opening of a bar-cum-restaurant named 'Happiest Hour' in a property adjacent to Rabindra Bhavan, previously owned by Rose Valley and later seized by authorities. What has shocked many is that Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha admitted he had no prior knowledge of this development and has now ordered an inquiry.
The seized property, as per directives of the Supreme Court and High Court, was meant to be sold with the proceeds used to compensate duped depositors of the Rose Valley scam. At present, the West District District & Sessions Judge remains the legal custodian of the property. However, it has now come to light that the Urban Development Department leased the property to Oval Company, a private ONGC contractor nearly four years ago.
Speaking to the media on Monday, Dr. Saha said he is gathering details on how permission was granted for the bar-cum-restaurant and expressed clear unease over the issue. He refrained from directly commenting on the newly opened bar cum resturent but confirmed that an inquiry has been initiated to uncover the facts behind the approval process.
Surprisingly, neither the Agartala Municipal Corporation, the Excise Department, nor the District Administration has come forward to clarify the matter.
The revelation has triggered sharp political reactions. Opposition parties and even sections within the ruling BJP have demanded that the government reveal the truth behind the lease. Critics recall that the BJP’s 2018 election manifesto had promised to sell Rose Valley assets to compensate affected depositors, yet the property was instead handed over for commercial use.
As the controversy intensifies, all eyes are on the Chief Minister’s promised investigation to determine how and why a seized property meant for public compensation turned into the site of a private bar-cum-restaurant.
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