BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 24th June 2025: Fresh allegations of corruption and middlemen interference at the Churaibari MBI Gate in North Tripura have triggered widespread concern among residents and transporters, with calls mounting for Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha’s direct intervention.
According to local sources, the gate meant to regulate and monitor vehicular entry into the state has allegedly fallen under the influence of a group of self-styled middlemen. These individuals, some reportedly linked to local media are accused of manipulating gate operations, extorting money from transporters and obstructing transparency.
The controversy intensified following the seizure of 1,790 bottles of cough syrup suspected to be used in the illegal drug trade by Unakoti police at Pecharthal raising questions about how the contraband-laden vehicle crossed the Churaibari checkpoint undetected.
Transporters allege that vehicles are often allowed to pass without proper registration or weighing, provided they pay bribes ranging from Rs 8,000 to Rs 10,000. “The gate is supposed to operate 24/7, but arbitrary closures have caused massive delays, especially for perishable goods,” said a driver who requested anonymity.
Tensions flared recently when a sudden gate closure stranded dozens of vehicles, including those carrying vegetables. The situation escalated until the gate was hastily reopened following protests by agitated drivers.
Insiders claim that the head of the Churaibari MBI office is complicit, allegedly working in coordination with brokers identified as Tupiwala and Bikash Bhuna. In one instance, officials reportedly attempted to shift blame for operational lapses onto an absent employee, “Nipendrababu,” who was in Agartala due to a family bereavement.
“There are six workers assigned to the gate, yet it’s often closed at their discretion. The real victims are the honest staff who are scapegoated while the middlemen network thrives,” said a source within the Transport Department.
Local residents and transport department employees are now demanding a high-level probe. “If this nexus is not dismantled, the credibility of the BJP-led administration will suffer. We urge the Chief Minister to take immediate action,” said a resident of Churaibari.
As hundreds of vehicles pass through Churaibari daily, questions remain about the actual revenue collected versus what is officially recorded. The alleged discrepancies have fueled suspicions of large-scale financial misconduct.
