Sudden Transfer of Santirbazar SDM, Sparks Controversy Over Government Bungalow Allotment to Pradyot Kishore Debbarma

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, April 8, 2026

A major administrative reshuffle in Santirbazar has triggered widespread reactions within official circles, following the sudden removal of Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Sanjeeb Chakma, TCS amid allegations related to the allotment of a government dak bungalow room.

Sanjeeb Chakma, who was serving as the SDM of Santirbazar and also designated as the Returning Officer for the upcoming ADC elections in the Birchandra–Kalsi constituency, has been replaced by Shantiranjan Chakma, TCS the Additional District Magistrate of South Tripura. The newly appointed SDM assumed charge yesterday.

The controversy reportedly began on Monday when Minister Pranajit Singha Roy suddenly sent a request to the SDM seeking accommodation at the PWD dak bungalow in Santirbazar. At that time, one of the rooms in the bungalow was already occupied by Tipra Motha founder Pradyot Kishore Debbarma, while another room had been reserved for an election observer, who was not present at the location.

Considering the observer’s absence, the SDM allegedly arranged for that room to be allotted to the minister after consultation with PWD authorities. However, questions were raised by local BJP leaders over how Pradyot Kishore Debbarma was allowed to stay in a government dak bungalow during an ongoing political campaign.

Sources indicate that the room allotted to Pradyot Kishore Debbarma was provided by officials of the Public Works Department (PWD), which is the legal authority managing the dak bungalow. As per norms, the PWD decides room allotments, though local administrative officials, including the SDM, may make arrangements in case of VIP visits.

It has also come to light that SDM Sanjeeb Chakma was reportedly unaware of the prior allotment made to Pradyot Kishore Debbarma. With the election observer absent, there was no active monitoring of occupancy at the bungalow from the SDM’s office.

Despite this, the responsibility for the allotment has allegedly been placed on the SDM, leading to his abrupt removal. The decision has sparked strong reactions within the TCS (Tripura Civil Service) officers’ community, with many questioning the fairness and transparency of the action.

The sudden transfer has also created a stir in Santirbazar, with administrative and political observers closely watching the developments, especially in the run-up to the ADC elections.

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