LoP Jitendra Chaudhury Writes to DGP Alleging Police Failure in Belonia Violence, Questions Administrative Neutrality
By Our Correspondent
Agartala, July 17, 2026
Leader of the Opposition Jitendra Chaudhury has lodged a formal complaint with Tripura Director General of Police (DGP), alleging serious lapses by the Superintendent of Police (SP), South Tripura, in handling law and order during a CPI(M) programme at Chottakhola in Belonia on July 15. He has sought an impartial inquiry into the incident and action against officials found responsible.
The complaint follows clashes that allegedly took place during a CPI(M) programme organised to mark the second death anniversary of party leader Badal Shil, who was killed on August 12, 2024, during the Panchayat election period.
According to Chaudhury, the programme had received prior police permission. He stated that on July 13, a CPI(M) delegation led by Belonia MLA Dipankar Sen met the South Tripura District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police, requesting adequate security arrangements in view of previous tensions in the area. He further claimed that he personally spoke to the DGP on July 14, who assured him that necessary directions would be issued to ensure the peaceful conduct of the event.
However, Chaudhury alleged that BJP supporters gathered near the venue from the morning of July 15 and intimidated people attempting to attend the programme. Despite repeated complaints to the police, he claimed that several vehicles carrying CPI(M) supporters were vandalised and five to six party workers were injured in attacks allegedly carried out in the presence of police personnel. He also alleged that the South Tripura SP did not respond to his repeated phone calls during the violence.
The Opposition leader further claimed that police stopped his convoy several times on the way to Chottakhola, delaying his arrival by more than an hour. Even after reaching the area, he alleged that police prevented him and other CPI(M) leaders from proceeding to the main venue, while failing to act against those allegedly responsible for the attacks.
In his letter, Chaudhury described the police's conduct as a violation of democratic and constitutional rights. He accused the South Tripura SP of administrative failure, inaction, and inability to ensure security for a peaceful political programme. He urged the DGP to order an impartial investigation, fix responsibility, and take appropriate administrative action.
Remarks on 'Idiot' Comment
Speaking to reporters at Sabroom, Chaudhury was asked about his earlier remark describing the South Tripura SP as an "idiot." Responding to the question, he said it would have been better had he not used the word. However, he maintained that it was equally unacceptable for government officers to work in favour of the ruling party.
He appealed to officials to remain politically neutral and urged Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha not to support or protect those involved in wrongdoing. Chaudhury alleged that a culture of political violence was flourishing under the Chief Minister's leadership, a charge that the government has consistently denied.
Meanwhile, Chaudhury also raised concerns over the use of official government social media platforms for what he described as political messaging. Referring to the official Facebook page of the Dhalai District Police, he questioned how a government office could circulate a statement targeting the Leader of the Opposition.
He alleged that a statement against him had been shared through the official Facebook page of Dhalai Police and questioned whether government communication platforms should be used to publicise the views of any organisation or issue content with political implications.
The allegations come amid heightened political tensions in Tripura, with both the ruling BJP and the opposition CPI(M) trading accusations over the handling of law and order and the neutrality of the police administration. As of the filing of this report, there has been no official response from the Tripura Police or the state government regarding Chaudhury's latest complaint to the DGP.
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