Agartala, 19th August 2026 : The Tripura Human Rights Commission (THRC) has sought a compliance report within a month on payment of ₹1.50 lakh compensation to convict prisoner Sarathi Sarkar, while closing the issue concerning the failure to follow its earlier direction on his treatment.
The Commission had earlier recommended that Sarkar be shifted to SSKM Hospital in Kolkata for treatment and that the prison authorities pay him ₹1.50 lakh as compensation, observing that negligence and delay in his treatment were apparent from the records.
However, in the latest hearing, IG (Prisons) Upendra Jamatia informed the Commission that Sarkar was treated at AGMC & GBP Hospital in Agartala after facilities for bilateral ACL tear surgery became available there. He underwent surgery on June 20 and was discharged on June 25. Subsequent medical reviews showed that he had almost recovered, could walk properly and had only mild pain in his knee.
The Commission noted that when its earlier order was passed, AGMC & GBP Hospital did not have the necessary facilities. Those facilities were subsequently established, enabling the convict to receive treatment in Agartala.
The Commission, however, pointed out that the prison authorities should have informed it before treating Sarkar at AGMC & GBP Hospital and sought modification or review of the earlier recommendation. Jamatia admitted that failing to approach the Commission was an unintentional mistake.
Since Sarkar has already received treatment and there is currently no complaint regarding his health, the Commission decided not to proceed against the authorities over the procedural lapse.
The Commission, meanwhile, noted that the ₹1.50 lakh compensation had not been paid. Jamatia said necessary steps had been initiated after consultation with the Home Department to ensure early payment. The Commission refrained from passing any adverse order at this stage and directed that the case be listed after one month for a compliance report on the compensation payment.
