Bamboo Used Instead of Steel Rods in Culvert Construction : Youth Faces Death Threats After Exposing Alleged Corruption

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, March 1, 2026

A serious allegation of corruption has surfaced in Tripura’s Rajnagar Block after a local youth exposed the alleged use of bamboo instead of steel reinforcement rods in the construction of a culvert at Krishnapur under Nihar Nagar Gram Panchayat in Rajnagar Assembly Constituency. Following his protest and social media disclosure, the youth reportedly received death threats and is now living in fear for his safety.

Reportedly, the culvert on the Krishnapur road had collapsed during the 2024 floods. Recently, reconstruction work began under the Rural Development Department, with a contractor assigned to execute the project.

However, crucial details such as the contractor’s name, project cost, funding source, and construction specifications were not displayed on-site as mandated by government norms. No official signboard was found at the construction location.

On Friday, a local youth noticed that bamboo poles were being placed in the base structure in place of steel reinforcement rods during the casting process. Shocked by the alleged malpractice, he immediately protested at the site and documented the visuals.

The video footage, later circulated on social media, triggered widespread public outrage. Following the exposure, the contractor reportedly halted further work at the site.

After the matter became public, the engineer from the Rural Development Department responsible for supervising the project visited the site on Saturday. The Gram Panchayat Pradhan and other officials were also present during the inspection.

According to allegations, a person identified as Ashu Debnath called the protesting youth to the spot during the inspection. It was at this time that Ratan Barman, described by locals as an influential leader close to the ruling party and allegedly associated with the contractor, arrived with supporters and verbally attacked the youth.

The youth claims he was threatened with dire consequences, including death threats, in full public view. He further alleges that the Panchayat Pradhan and the supervising engineer remained silent spectators during the incident.

Since the incident, the youth and his family members have been reportedly living in fear. He has appealed to the district administration and police authorities for protection and an impartial investigation into both the construction irregularities and the alleged threats.

Instead of condemning the alleged corruption, some local political figures have reportedly sided with the contractor, leading to further resentment among residents. The incident has sparked sharp reactions in the area, with many questioning transparency in rural infrastructure projects and the safety of whistleblowers.

Local residents are demanding

a technical inquiry into the construction quality andva

Public disclosure of project details and financial allocation including legal action against those responsible for irregularities.

The incident has once again raised serious concerns over accountability in grassroots-level development works and the risks faced by citizens who dare to expose alleged corruption.

Authorities are yet to issue an official statement on the matter.

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