Probe under DM ordered in Shantiniketan medical college death case

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, June 12, 2026

The Tripura government has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the death of a young woman whose body was found inside a hostel room at Shantiniketan Medical College on Wednesday night, officials said.

An order issued by the state government appointed West Tripura District Magistrate and Collector Vishal Kumar to conduct the inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the death of Manisha Das, a resident of Kathaltali area under Amtali police station limits.

The district magistrate has been directed to submit a detailed report to the Home Department within 15 days, officials said.

Das, who was employed at the medical college, was found dead inside a room of the institution's girls' hostel. Police said the circumstances leading to her death are under investigation.

Family members have questioned the possibility of suicide and alleged foul play. They demanded a comprehensive investigation into the incident.

According to relatives, Das had been working at the institution and was often required to remain on campus during the night. The family also claimed that she may have been aware of certain matters linked to the institution, though no evidence has been presented to support the allegation.

College authorities said Das had earlier worked as a caretaker and was later assigned duties in the examination cell.

Following the recovery of the body, police and forensic personnel visited the hostel and initiated an investigation. The body was sent for post-mortem examination, and authorities are awaiting the forensic and autopsy reports.

Addressing reporters, Amtali Sub-Divisional Police Officer Paramita Pandey said preliminary findings had raised suspicion and the case was being examined from all possible angles.

"The room where the body was found was locked from inside and had to be opened after staff and students broke the door. We are awaiting the post-mortem report to determine the exact cause of death," she said.

Pandey said one person had been detained for questioning as part of the investigation. She added that preliminary inquiries indicated the woman had an altercation with a friend shortly before the incident.

Police said the investigation is continuing and no conclusion has been reached so far regarding the cause of death.

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