Alleged Attack on Construction Workers Near Rukhia: Contractor Accuses Associates of MLA of Extortion and Assault

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, June 3, 2026

A serious controversy has erupted in the Rukhia area near Boxanagar following allegations that associates of local MLA Tofajjal Hossain attacked construction workers from outside the state after a contractor allegedly refused to pay a demanded commission on a government development project.

According to allegations made by contractor Gautam Pal, the incident occurred on Tuesday evening at an ongoing construction site in Rukhia. The contractor claimed that individuals identified as associates of the MLA demanded a 15 percent commission in exchange for allowing the project work to continue. When the contractor reportedly expressed his inability to pay the amount, the situation allegedly turned violent.

The contractor alleged that a group of men attacked several workers engaged in the project and vandalized a vehicle belonging to the contracting agency. As a result of the alleged assault, four workers sustained injuries and were subsequently admitted to Govind Ballabh Pant Hospital (GB Hospital) for medical treatment.

Gautam Pal further alleged that when he approached Kalamchoura Police Station to lodge a formal complaint, the police station reportedly expressed its inability to register the case. Following this, he approached the district Superintendent of Police and submitted a complaint seeking legal action against those responsible.

According to the contractor, despite the filing of the complaint, no arrests had been made as of the latest reports.

The contractor also alleged that demands for commissions from contractors engaged in government-funded developmental projects have become a recurring issue in the Boxanagar area. He claimed that contractors are frequently asked to pay a percentage of project funds and that those who refuse are allegedly subjected to intimidation, threats, or physical attacks.

Police authorities have not yet issued an official statement regarding the allegations. Similarly, no response from MLA Tofajjal Hossain or his office was immediately available at the time of reporting.

The allegations verified by tripurainfo.com, and SP Sepahijala Bijay Debbarma said an official investigation is underway to determine the facts surrounding the incident, including the circumstances of the alleged assault, vandalism, and extortion demands.

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