BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 8th August 2025: A high-level three-member delegation visited the Chakmaghat area to investigate the tragic death of lorry driver Mihirlal Debnath, whose life could not be saved despite extensive rescue efforts. The delegation comprised Revenue Secretary Brijesh Pandey, IG (Law and Order) Manchak Ipper and Fire Service and Disaster Management Secretary LT Darling. They were joined by Khowai District Magistrate Rajat Pant and newly appointed Teliamura Sub-Divisional Magistrate Abedananda Baidya.
The team conducted a thorough inspection of the accident site and interacted with local residents, particularly eyewitnesses and those who first arrived at the scene. Officials from the Tripura State Rifles (TSR), police, medical staff and fire service were individually questioned regarding their roles in the rescue operation.
According to statements collected, no allegations were made against the Sub-Divisional Magistrate. It was revealed that he was not informed of the incident until after 8:30 p.m., when the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Teliamura made contact. The SDM then promptly alerted all Deputy Collectors, following which officials Biswajit Debbarma and Haripada Sarkar reached the site. TSR and disaster response teams had already arrived by then.
However, serious allegations emerged against Fire Service OC Binay Chakraborty. Eyewitnesses claimed he was absent from the station on the day of the incident and had traveled to Udaipur without officially notifying his leave. He reportedly returned to the scene on a motorcycle around 8:30 a.m. after receiving news of the accident. Witnesses accused him of negligence and obstructing the efforts of TSR personnel and Apadamitra volunteers. One woman reportedly shared these concerns directly with the investigating officers.
Despite the coordinated rescue operation, Debnath could not be saved. Officials noted that the late-night timing and lack of adequate equipment delayed the rescue. The driver had been trapped below the waist for an extended period, leading to halted blood circulation. When rescuers managed to create a gap in the vehicle, blood surged upward, causing bleeding from his nose and mouth. Medical staff attributed his death to complications from high blood pressure.
The delegation concluded its initial inquiry by recording all statements but refrained from disclosing further findings. Officials indicated that the investigation remains ongoing and that more details will be revealed in due course.
