BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 25th October 2025: A senior police officer in Tripura has come under intense public scrutiny after a video surfaced allegedly showing him molesting a female performer during a religious procession in Belonia. The incident, which occurred during the Kali Puja immersion ceremony on Friday night, has triggered widespread condemnation and renewed concerns over police accountability in the state.
The procession, organized by the Oriental Club under the jurisdiction of Belonia Police Station, began with a cultural program attended by hundreds of residents. However, the festive atmosphere turned chaotic around 9:30 PM when Officer-in-Charge (OC) Inspector Shibu Ranjan Das allegedly boarded the orchestra vehicle in an intoxicated state and behaved inappropriately with several performers, including a young female singer.
Eyewitnesses claim Das groped the woman, prompting immediate outrage from onlookers. Locals reportedly pulled the officer from the vehicle and assaulted him, an act that has sparked debate over vigilante justice but also drawn sympathy from those angered by the alleged misconduct.
Tensions escalated further when SDPO Rishav, also present at the scene, allegedly attempted to prevent media coverage by threatening journalists and trying to seize their cameras. Witnesses allege that Rishav invoked the names of ruling BJP leaders while asserting his authority, intensifying public anger.
Local sources have accused both officers of longstanding involvement in illicit activities, including drug trafficking, human smuggling, and illegal trade. Allegations against Inspector Das also include past associations with gambling and narcotics networks during his previous postings.
The incident has reignited public discourse on law enforcement impunity and governance failures in Tripura. Citizens and activists are demanding swift action from the Director General of Police and the Home Department. “If those entrusted with our safety turn predators, what justice can we expect?” questioned a Belonia resident.
As the video continues to circulate across social media and news platforms, calls for an impartial investigation are growing louder.
As of now, Belonia police have detained seven individuals accused of assaulting the officer during the chaos at the club premises in connection with Belonia Police Station Case No. 63/25, dated October 25, 2025 registered under sections 132, 117(2), 121(2), 324(2), 191(2), and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The arrested persons are: Subrata Debnath (45), resident of Netaji Palli; Liton Debnath (40), resident of Sarasima (Tripra Bazar); Aditya Datta (45), resident of Bankar (Netaji Palli); Litan Hazari (45), resident of Jail Road; Alak Banik (39), resident of Netaji Palli; Bijay Biswas (39), resident of Baidya Tilla; and Sribash Sen (52), resident of Vidhypith Corner. However, they were produced in the court and all received bail.
