Controversy Deepens Over Alleged False Affidavit in Saikat Roy Custodial Torture Case, Action Looms Against Home Department Under Secretary

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, June 19, 2026

A major controversy has erupted within the state administration following allegations that a false affidavit was submitted before the High Court in connection with the alleged custodial torture of Dhaleswar resident Saikat Roy. Sources indicate that disciplinary proceedings have been initiated against Home Department Under Secretary Samarendra Debbarma, who is reportedly facing a show-cause notice for filing an affidavit allegedly containing incorrect and misleading information to Tripura High Court.

According to informed sources, a high-level meeting was held yesterday involving senior officials from the Law Department, police administration, government prosecutors, and the Home Department. During the meeting, it was reportedly decided that action should be initiated against the Under Secretary for submitting an affidavit that allegedly misrepresented facts before the High Court.

However, the controversy has taken a new turn after the Law Department reportedly distanced itself from the affidavit, claiming that the relevant file was never sent to the department for legal examination or vetting. Sources further claim that the affidavit was vetted by Advocate General Shaktimoy Chakraborty and subsequently submitted before the Division Bench of Justice MS Ramachandra Rao and Justice B Palit.

The affidavit reportedly stated that no torture or misconduct had taken place against Saikat Roy inside East Agartala Police Station. This position was allegedly taken while defending certain police personnel and municipal task force officials named in the case.

The situation changed significantly after a Special Investigation Team (SIT) submitted its findings. According to the SIT report, Saikat Roy was allegedly subjected to physical and mental harassment inside East Agartala Police Station in the presence of police personnel, with the involvement of certain outsiders as well. The SIT findings contradicted the contents of the affidavit submitted before the High Court, triggering serious questions regarding the source and authenticity of the information placed before the judiciary.

Sources allege that the draft affidavit was prepared based on information supplied by police authorities and was approved through official channels before being filed in court. However, following the SIT findings, various departments and officials are reportedly attempting to distance themselves from responsibility for the disputed affidavit.

Meanwhile, the police administration has initiated a series of disciplinary measures in connection with the custodial torture allegations. East Agartala Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Subrata Debnath has been closed from active duty. Sub-Inspector Saikat De, SI Anand Murasingh, Constable Suman Acharya, and Mithun Rudra Pal have been placed under suspension.

Additionally, SPO jawan Bipul Debnath and driver Shubhankar Debnath have been removed from East Agartala Police Station and attached elsewhere. West Tripura Superintendent of Police Namit Pathak has also issued a show-cause notice to Sub-Inspector Samaresh Chakma.

The developments have intensified scrutiny over the handling of the case and raised broader concerns regarding accountability, transparency, and the submission of affidavits before constitutional courts. The investigation into the matter is continuing, and further administrative as well as legal action is expected in the coming days.

Notably, the allegations mentioned above are based on claims and reports surrounding the case. Final responsibility, if any, will be determined through ongoing investigations and judicial proceedings.

more news...