Documents Go Missing in MBB College Lake Case After Transfer of CEO Sailesh Kumar Yadav, IAS: THRC Orders FIR Against Former ASCL Chief
By Our Correspondent
Agartala, April 27, 2026
In a major development that has triggered serious administrative and legal concerns, the Tripura Human Rights Commission (THRC) has taken a stern view of missing documents related to the MBB College Lake pollution case following the transfer of former Agartala Smart City CEO Sailesh Kumar Yadav to Delhi on deputation last year.
The Commission, led by Chairman Arindam Lodh, has directed that a case be registered at the West Agartala Police Station against the former CEO, raising serious questions about administrative accountability and record management within the Agartala Smart City Limited (ASCL).
The issue surfaced during the hearing of Complaint No. 98 of 2025 on Monday, where the Commission expressed deep concern over the disappearance of crucial case documents after the transfer of the IAS officer. The THRC observed that such incidents following the transfer of government officials are alarming and undermine the integrity of legal proceedings.
During the hearing, the Commission also strongly criticized ASCL for adopting what it described as dilatory tactics to delay the case. Despite already having access to relevant documents submitted earlier by the complainant, ASCL reportedly sought adjournments citing missing records and even filed an RTI application to obtain the same documents again. The Commission termed this conduct negligent and irresponsible, warning that the agency could be held liable for compensation.
Submissions made by the Forest Department revealed that Rudrasagar Lake remains the only officially notified wetland in Tripura. However, a report prepared under the Wetland Authority of Tripura flagged minor irregularities in the Smart City project at MBB College Lake, particularly concerning its impact on biodiversity following an inspection conducted on August 29, 2025.
The complainant’s counsel raised serious objections, alleging that MBB College Lake was earlier recognized as a wetland but its name was removed from official records without proper notification. It was further argued that the transfer of the lake project to the Agartala Municipal Corporation violated provisions of the Tripura Land Revenue Act, 1961.
Additional concerns were raised over the legality of a Memorandum of Understanding between ASCL and the Higher Education Department, with claims that due procedures were not followed. The complainant emphasized that the case was filed in the public interest to protect the environment and citizens’ rights, highlighting the deteriorating ecological condition of the lake.
According to submissions before the Commission, construction activities under the Smart City project have adversely affected the lake’s ecosystem, leading to the death of aquatic life such as fish and snails.
Taking note of the broader implications, the Commission reiterated that environmental protection is a fundamental duty of the state and that any ecological damage may amount to a violation of citizens’ fundamental rights.
The THRC has granted a short adjournment to ASCL for further submissions. The next hearing of this crucial case is scheduled for April 28, 2026, at 11:00 AM, where further developments are expected in what is emerging as a significant case involving environmental governance and administrative accountability in Tripura.
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