Custodial Death Raises Questions in Tripura Central Jail, Family Demands High Level Probe, Refused to Accept the Body

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, July 26, 2026

The death of an undertrial prisoner inside the Bishalgarh Central Correctional Home has triggered suspicion and demands for an independent investigation, after family members alleged that he was in good health just days before his sudden demise.

The deceased has been identified as Pranab Pal (popularly known as Opu), a fish trader from the Hairmara area of AD Nagar in Agartala. According to his family, Pal had been lodged in the Central Correctional Home after being arrested in connection with an alleged case under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.

Family members said the case stemmed from the recovery of Phensedyl cough syrup bottles from a railway wagon carrying fish consigned in his name. Following the seizure, police detained him for questioning, and he was subsequently remanded to judicial custody by a court.

A close relative of the deceased stated that he had visited Pranab Pal inside the correctional home just two days ago, and at that time the inmate appeared to be in good physical condition with no visible signs of illness.

"His health was absolutely normal during our last visit. We are shocked by the sudden news of his death and suspect that something is not right," the family member said, demanding a thorough and impartial investigation into the circumstances leading to the custodial death.

According to officials of the Bishalgarh Central Correctional Home, Pal reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest on Sunday morning. Authorities claimed that after he fell ill, arrangements were immediately made to shift him to Bishalgarh Hospital, and that CCTV footage is available documenting the sequence of events, including the decision to transport him for medical treatment.

However, the explanation has failed to convince the bereaved family. In protest, the family has refused to accept the body, which remains at Agartala Government Medical College and GB Pant Hospital awaiting further procedures.

The incident has raised concerns over the circumstances surrounding custodial deaths and the medical care available to inmates. The family has urged the authorities to order a transparent investigation to establish the exact cause of death and determine whether there was any negligence or foul play.

Officials are yet to announce whether a magisterial inquiry or post-mortem findings will be made public. The investigation is expected to provide greater clarity on the events leading to the inmate's death.

more news...