Tripura minister terms viral video row a ‘political stunt’

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, April 11, 2026

Santana Chakma on Friday rejected allegations of assaulting an auto driver, describing a viral video of the incident as a “political stunt”, even as trade unions staged protests demanding action against her.

The video, widely circulated on social media, purportedly showed the Industries and Commerce Minister behaving aggressively with a transport worker in Pecharthal area of Unakoti district on Thursday, triggering criticism from opposition parties.

Refuting the claims, Chakma said she had intervened to defuse a roadside quarrel involving three persons while returning from a political programme. “My convoy was halted due to a traffic jam. I noticed a heated argument among three individuals who appeared to be intoxicated. I stepped in to calm the situation,” she said.

The minister alleged that the video was selectively recorded to misrepresent the incident. “Only a portion of the clip has been circulated to create a misleading narrative. Eyewitnesses were present,” she added.

Meanwhile, members of Centre of Indian Trade Unions, along with transport workers’ bodies, staged a demonstration outside the Labour Commissioner’s office in Agartala, demanding a probe.

Union leader Amal Chakraborty alleged that the driver was manhandled and questioned why the minister intervened instead of allowing police to handle the situation.

The protesters also sought Chakma’s removal from the cabinet led by Manik Saha.

The minister, however, maintained that she acted responsibly to restore order and denied any wrongdoing.

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