By TC News Desk
Agartaka, 27th August 2024: As West Bengal witnesses calls for Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s resignation over the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital incident, a new controversy has erupted in the neighboring state of Tripura. On Tuesday afternoon, in Veluarchar Panchayat, Boxanagar, a violent incident involving local MLA Tafajjal Hossain has sparked widespread outrage, particularly among women in the area.
The incident occurred during the swearing-in ceremony of the Panchayat Pradhan and Upa-Pradhan. Minti Sarkar Deb, a candidate from Ward No. 4, was proposed by the Panchayat members for the position of Pradhan, a choice backed by the majority of the villagers. However, MLA Tafajjal Hossain reportedly intervened, attempting to influence the selection in favor of his associates. When Lakshmi Rani Deb, a supporter of Minti Sarkar Deb, protested the interference, she was violently assaulted by individuals allegedly linked to the MLA. According to eyewitnesses, Lakshmi Rani Deb was pushed to the ground, resulting in serious injuries, all under the MLA’s watch.
The attack on Lakshmi Rani Deb has incensed the local population, leading to immediate protests. Women from the village took to the streets, blocking roads and burning tires to demand the resignation of MLA Tafajjal Hossain. The protesters accused Hossain of engaging in corrupt activities and failing to protect the interests of the people he represents. “He has gone from protector to devourer,” one protester remarked, encapsulating the widespread discontent in the area.
The situation further deteriorated when, according to local sources, MLA Hossain threatened the protesters, warning that he would call the police and have them falsely implicated if they did not lift the blockade. This alleged threat has only fueled the villagers’ determination to see him removed from office. The protesters have appealed to Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha, former Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb, State BJP President Rajiv Bhattacharya, and former Union Minister Pratima Bhowmik, urging them to intervene and take action against Hossain.
Meanwhile, the injured Lakshmi Rani Deb was initially taken to Boxanagar Primary Health Centre before being transferred to Bishalgarh sub-divisional hospital due to the severity of her injuries. As her condition worsened, she was further referred to GB Hospital in Agartala, where she is currently receiving treatment. The situation in Veluarchar Panchayat remains tense, with a heavy police presence and an air of uncertainty hanging over the community. The demand for justice and accountability continues to grow, as residents call for an end to what they describe as the MLA’s “misrule.”
