Minister's Above the Law? Bishalgarh Tragedy Raises Serious Questions Over Ministerial Escort Vehicles and Traffic Rule Enforcement
By Our Correspondent
Agartala, January 30, 2026
The tragic death of a school headmaster in Bishalgarh has triggered widespread public outrage and raised grave questions about whether traffic laws are being selectively enforced when it comes to ministerial escort vehicles.
According to allegations raised by local residents and eyewitnesses, the fatal accident involved a vehicle from the escort convoy of Minister Shukla Charan. Shockingly, it is being claimed that the escort vehicle involved in the incident did not possess valid insurance or pollution clearance certificates, documents that are mandatory under Indian motor vehicle laws. This incident forces us to ask: what kind of system are we living under?, questioned an aggrieved local. If an ordinary citizen’s vehicle lacked insurance or pollution clearance, the police would immediately impose heavy fines or seize the vehicle. But because this was a minister’s escort, no visible action has been taken.
Residents further allege that the same escort vehicle was seen moving freely even days after the accident. Just three days ago, police officers themselves were using this vehicle, a local source claimed, adding fuel to accusations of institutional complicity.
The anger is compounded by the perception that the incident is being deliberately downplayed. Despite January being observed nationwide as Road Safety Month, critics allege that the police have made no serious attempt to publicly investigate or disclose the exact cause of the accident, particularly regarding overspeeding and convoy protocol.
On 28 January 2026, a Sub-Divisional Level Mega Prayaas programme on traffic and child marriage awareness was organised at New Town Hall, Bishalgarh, under the supervision of SDPO Bishalgarh. The event was attended by senior officials including the District Magistrate of Sepahijala and the Superintendent of Police. Nearly 400 students from different schools participated.
However, the irony was not lost on observers. “At a programme meant to promote traffic awareness, not a single speaker addressed the dangers of overspeeding by ministerial escort vehicles or reiterated that traffic laws apply equally to everyone,” said a member of the local civil society.
The tragedy has prompted citizens to directly appeal to Dr. Manik Saha, urging him to personally intervene and ensure an impartial investigation. “A life has been lost. How many more mothers must lose their sons before this injustice stops?” asked a protester.
The incident has also sparked debate on the unchecked use of power by escort vehicles, with activists questioning why traffic rules appear flexible for those in authority while ordinary citizens face strict penalties for minor violations.
As Bishalgarh mourns the loss of an educator, the larger question remains unanswered: Are traffic laws truly equal for all, or does power place some above the law?
more news...