Bishalgarh DWS Executive Engineer Refuses to Vacate Office Despite Release Order, Successor Arrives with Police to Assume Charge

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, October 16, 2026

A fresh controversy has erupted in the Drinking Water and Sanitation (DWS) Division of Tripura’s Public Works Department (PWD) in Bishalgarh after the existing Executive Engineer allegedly refused to vacate his office despite the issuance of a release order in the afternoon. Newly deployed Executive Engineer Gautam Ghosh subsequently reached the office yesterday accompanied by police personnel to assume charge of his new responsibilities.

The incident has raised serious questions about administrative discipline, compliance with government orders and the alleged influence of political patronage on the functioning of government departments.

According to information available, the release order was issued more then one month back but Executive Engineer allegedly refused to vacate his office and therefore yesterday afternoon again a transfer order mentioned

"stand release" issued, but the existing Executive Engineer allegedly refused to leave the office. Following the development, the newly appointed Executive Engineer Gautam Ghosh arrived at the office with police personnel to take charge of his assigned responsibilities.

The episode has brought the functioning of the Bishalgarh DWS Division under renewed scrutiny. Questions are being raised about whether government orders are being implemented in accordance with established administrative procedures and whether government officials can discharge their duties independently, without interference or pressure.

The controversy has also revived longstanding allegations of corruption and financial irregularities in the PWD’s many DWS Divisions including in Sepahijala District in Tripura. The department has been accused of serious irregularities in the implementation of public infrastructure and drinking water projects.

more news...