Burnt minor housewife pleads for help at Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha’s residence

BY TC News Desk

Agartala, 20^th March 2025:  Agartala witnessed a heartbreaking scene on Thursday afternoon when a minor housewife, severely burnt and bedridden for over a year, lay down in front of the Chief Minister’s residence on Laxmi Narayan Bari Road, seeking treatment.

The 17-year-old victim, a resident of the New Jewel Club area in Madhya Pratapgarh had eloped two and a half years ago with Bikash Debnath, son of Nabdulal Debnath, from Deocherra under Kalyanpur police station in Khowai district. The couple’s marriage, however, was marred by allegations of physical and mental abuse.

According to the victim, “After our daughter was born last year, Bikash tried to burn me alive. I barely survived and returned to my father’s home, but we didn’t have the money for treatment.” Due to prolonged neglect and lack of medical care, one of her legs has become critically injured, leaving her bedridden.

Her father added, “I filed a case against Bikash at Kalyanpur police station a few days ago, but we couldn’t afford her treatment for a year. We had no choice but to come to the Chief Minister for help.”

Upon arriving at the Chief Minister’s residence, the family was met by security personnel, including police and TSR jawans. East Agartala Police Station OC Rana Chatterjee arrived shortly afterward. The victim in tears narrated her ordeal to the police and media personnel present.

“I am bedridden because we couldn’t afford my treatment. I came here to plead with the Chief Minister for help,” the victim stated, visibly distressed.

In response, OC Rana Chatterjee arranged for her immediate transfer to the hospital. The Chief Minister, who returned from Delhi shortly after the incident, was briefed on the matter. According to sources, the Chief Minister instructed senior officials to ensure the victim receives proper medical treatment and directed stringent action against the accused, Bikash Debnath.

As of now, the minor housewife is undergoing treatment at the hospital. The case has drawn significant attention, highlighting the challenges faced by victims of domestic violence and the urgent need for accessible healthcare.