Growing Concern Over Silence as Doctors, Civil Servants and Police Officers Face Public Humiliation and Attacks in Tripura
By Our Correspondent
Agartala, June 10, 2026
The recent public humiliation of a government doctor in Teliamura, the alleged attack on a Block Development Officer (BDO) in Amarpur, and accusations of political intimidation against a police officer have triggered fresh concerns over the safety, dignity, and independence of public servants in Tripura. At the same time, questions are being raised over the silence of professional associations and authorities in responding to such incidents.
The latest controversy erupted after Teliamura MLA and Tripura Assembly Chief Whip Kalyani Saha Roy allegedly reprimanded and verbally abused Teliamura Hospital doctor Dr. Raja Jamatia during a Facebook Live broadcast on June 6. According to reports, the incident left the doctor visibly distressed and emotional while seated in his office.
The episode has drawn criticism from former President of the Tripura State Medical Council (TSMC), Dr. Bijoy Debbarma, who strongly condemned the public treatment of the medical officer.
Dr. Debbarma stated that elected representatives have no legal authority to publicly humiliate professionals performing official duties. He emphasized that if any complaints existed against a doctor, they should be addressed through established administrative channels such as the Director of Health Services, the Chief Medical Officer (CMO), or the Health Minister.
“If you have any complaint, there is the Director, CMO, and Minister. After all, it is your own party’s government that is in power. You have no legal authority to behave in this manner,” Dr. Debbarma said.
He further argued that healthcare challenges in Tripura require institutional solutions rather than publicity-oriented interventions conducted through social media platforms. According to him, such actions undermine the dignity of healthcare professionals and divert attention from systemic issues facing the health sector.
Questioning the conduct of the MLA, Dr. Debbarma said that no elected representative has the constitutional authority to publicly shame a citizen or interfere with an individual’s right to dignity and reputation. He urged the MLA to reflect on her actions and apologize to the concerned doctor.
The former TSMC president also highlighted the difficult working conditions faced by doctors across the state, noting that they often work under immense pressure while handling emergencies and occasionally face physical assaults. He expressed concern that medical professionals have increasingly become soft targets for political attacks regardless of party affiliation.
Despite the controversy, many doctors have expressed concern over the absence of any strong public protest from major medical organizations such as the Indian Medical Association (IMA) and the Junior Doctors’ Association (JDA).
Meanwhile, another incident has raised alarm within administrative circles. Employees of the Amarpur RD Block have alleged that several Panchayat representatives entered the chamber of the Block Development Officer (BDO) on June 2 and created a violent disturbance during an official meeting.
According to a memorandum submitted to the District Magistrate and Collector of Gomati district, the individuals allegedly attempted to intimidate the BDO by repeatedly striking the office table. Employees further alleged that the Ashoka Pillar emblem, India's national symbol, was thrown from the table and that glassware, including a drinking glass and tea cup, was hurled towards the officer.
Block employees described the incident as a direct attack on the dignity, authority, and security of the administrative system. They warned that the incident has created an atmosphere of fear and insecurity among government employees working in the block office.
To protest the alleged attack, employees organized a demonstration in front of the Amarpur RD Block office and demanded immediate legal action against those responsible, along with enhanced security measures for government officials.
However, concerns have been raised over the response of the Tripura Civil Service Association. Critics note that nearly a week after the incident, no public statement of condemnation has reportedly been issued by the association's leadership. Questions have also emerged regarding the pace of the police investigation, as no arrests or reported interrogations had taken place despite an FIR being filed.
A third controversy involves allegations that Boxanagar MLA Tafajjal Hossain recently threatened the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Kalamchoura Police Station over the telephone. Critics argue that no senior police official publicly condemned the alleged conduct or initiated visible legal action regarding the matter.
The issue has gained further attention following reports that the concerned police officer, inspector Subimal Barman, has since been transferred to West District Police. The transfer has fueled debate among observers about the treatment of officers facing political pressure while performing their duties.
These incidents come against the backdrop of several attacks on police personnel in Tripura in recent years.
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