By TC News Desk
Agartala, 10th November 2025 : A storm of controversy has erupted in Khowai as serious allegations of financial misconduct have been levelled against Shankar Shukla Das, a rent collector appointed by the Khowai Municipal Council. Local small-scale traders have submitted formal complaints to both the Executive Officer of the Council and the Maharajganj Market Traders’ Association, accusing Das of embezzling over Rs 8 lakh through unauthorized rent collection practices over the past six years.
According to the complaint, Das, who has been collecting rent from stalls in the historic Maharajganj (Puratan) Market since 2019, has allegedly been charging vendors significantly more than the officially mandated daily rate of Rs 5. Traders claim he routinely demanded Rs 15 to Rs 20 per day, even from shuttered shops and threatened to shut down businesses if payments were not made. In some cases, he is accused of renting out closed stalls to others and pocketing the proceeds without depositing them with the Council.
A detailed breakdown of the alleged irregularities highlights the extent of the financial discrepancies. Over the past six years, rent collected from 20 shuttered stalls—each charged at Rs 200 per month amounted to Rs 2.88 lakh, with an annual total of Rs 48,000. Similarly, 45 small sheds, each paying Rs 100 per month, generated Rs 3.24 lakh over six years, or Rs 54,000 annually. Rent from 20 vegetable stalls, also charged at Rs 100 per month, totaled Rs 1.44 lakh across six years, equating to Rs 24,000 annually. Additionally, three street vendors reportedly paid Rs 15 per day, resulting in Rs 16,200 annually and Rs 97,200 over six years.
The total estimated unaccounted collection stands at Rs 8.56 lakh. Traders allege that Das failed to issue proper receipts and that there is no transparency regarding how much of the collected amount was officially deposited with the Council.
Adding to the outrage, the market, one of the oldest in the Khowai subdivision has fallen into disrepair, with most customers and vendors now gravitating toward the more vibrant Subhash Park area. The few remaining traders say they are being squeezed dry by exploitative practices, and fear they may be forced to shut down if the situation persists.
The traders’ association has echoed these concerns, stating that such unchecked exploitation threatens the survival of small businesses in the area. They have demanded immediate action from the municipal authorities.
The Khowai Municipal Council has yet to issue a formal response. However, the mounting pressure from the business community has made it clear that the matter can no longer be ignored. Many residents believe that if such exploitative practices continue unchecked, the public will not hesitate to hold those responsible accountable in the 2028 civic elections.
