Agartala, 11th May 2026: A demand for drinking water and electricity led to a tense situation in Chakmaghat’s Purba Bazar on Monday, as residents blocked the Assam–Agartala National Highway for nearly three hours. The blockade brought traffic to a standstill, leaving passenger and goods vehicles stranded for hours.
Officials including Teliamura Sub-Divisional Magistrate Haripada Sarkar, representatives from the DWS department, and police from Teliamura and Mungiakami stations reached the spot to restore order. The blockade was withdrawn after authorities assured prompt action to resolve the grievances.
However, the incident soon gave rise to controversy. Local sources alleged that the agitation may have been influenced by ulterior motives. The name of Satyabrata Das, a CPI(M) supporter from Shantinagar and nephew of Teliamura SDM’s bodyguard Sanjay Das, surfaced at the centre of the allegations. Residents claimed that public demands were being used to mobilize people for other interests.
Adding to the unrest, journalist Hiranmoy Roy of Teliamura was allegedly assaulted while covering the protest. Reports state that Satyabrata Das attacked him during a heated exchange. Local youth Subrata Das was also said to have been targeted. Roy later lodged a written complaint at Teliamura Police Station, sparking outrage among the journalist community.
Residents acknowledged that water and electricity shortages are genuine, long-standing issues. Yet, they cautioned that if such movements are misused for personal gain, the credibility of public protests could be undermined.
When contacted, the Teliamura SDM said he was unaware of the incident. Meanwhile, allegations of journalist assault and suspicions surrounding the blockade have made Chakmaghat the focus of administrative and social debate.
