Rs.16 Crore Manushree Treatment Fund Row Takes New Turn, DM Summons Raja Saha and Dhruva Chowdhury
By Our Correspondent
Agartala, September 2, 2026
The controversy surrounding the collection and utilisation of funds for the treatment of Manushree has taken a new turn, with West Tripura District Magistrate Dr. Bishal Kumar reportedly summoning Raja Saha and Dhruva Chowdhury to seek details about the crowdfunding campaign.
During the meeting, the two reportedly informed the District Magistrate that around Rs.7 crore has so far been collected through crowdfunding for Manushree’s treatment. The fundraising is currently being carried out through four separate accounts, according to the information placed before the district administration.
However, questions have been raised on social media over the actual amount collected. On several earlier occasions, information regarding the collection of different amounts had reportedly surfaced, leading some people to allege that complete financial information has not been made public. Calls have consequently grown for a transparent disclosure of the entire crowdfunding account, including both bank transactions and cash collections, if any.
The issue has attracted particular attention because a crowdfunding facility is reportedly available through AIIMS as well as through a central government-supported portal for patients requiring financial assistance. Questions are now being raised over why such institutional mechanisms were not used and why the fundraising was instead routed through the personal accounts of several individuals and an NGO account.
The controversy has also triggered debate over the steps taken so far for Manushree’s treatment, including what medical and financial arrangements have been made and how the funds collected from the public are being utilised.
Given the sensitive nature of the case, the Tripura administration has so far maintained a cautious approach. However, the intervention by the West Tripura District Magistrate indicates that the administration is now seeking greater accountability regarding the crowdfunding money.
The District Magistrate reportedly cautioned those involved in the fundraising to maintain proper accounts of every rupee collected through crowdfunding and ensure that the entire amount is utilised exclusively for Manushree’s treatment.
The latest development is likely to intensify demands for a comprehensive financial statement showing the total amount collected through each account, the sources of the funds, the expenditure incurred so far and the balance remaining for Manushree’s future treatment.
At present, the figures being discussed publicly, including the earlier claims of 10 to 11 crore and the latest figure of around Rs.7 crore, have not been independently verified. A complete disclosure of bank statements, receipts and expenditure records by the fund organisers would therefore be crucial to resolving the questions surrounding the Rs.16-crore treatment funding issue.
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