By TC News Desk
Agartala, 22nd April 2025: Sonamura police station finds itself at the center of controversy after allegations surfaced regarding the secret marriage of a minor girl in Bardowal, raising serious concerns about police’s role in the matter.
According to sources, two to three months back, a 16-year-old girl from Koralia Mura was allegedly married off in secrecy to Rajesh Barman, son of Bardowal Gram Panchayat Pradhan, Kalpana Barman. Reports indicate that Child Line workers had initially intervened to prevent the union, but on the day of the marriage, Rajesh and the minor girl managed to evade authorities, proceeding with the ceremony at a local temple.
The incident came to light when the Tripura Commission for Protection of Child Rights was notified. This afternoon, Commission Chairperson Jayanti Debbarma along with members and Child Line workers sought police assistance before conducting a raid at the residence of Gram Panchayat Pradhan Kalpana Barman in Bardowal. However, police’s role in the investigation is now under scrutiny.
“It is deeply concerning that, despite confirmed reports of the girl’s presence in the house, she was not found during the raid,” stated Jayanti Debbarma, questioning the integrity of the operation conducted with Sonamura police.
Sources allege that prior to the raid, Sonamura police tipped off SPO Rajesh Barman, allowing him to remove the minor from the premises. While officials searched the home, the girl was nowhere to be found.
“If this is how Sonamura police operate, it raises alarming questions about accountability and the rise of unchecked crimes in the area,” Debbarma asserted.
The Commission has vowed legal action against Kalpana Barman and Rajesh Barman, reaffirming its commitment to uphold child protection laws. However, with local law enforcement suspected of aiding in the alleged cover-up, public outrage continues to grow.
Residents of Bardowal are now left questioning how a Gram Panchayat leader—expected to safeguard community welfare—could be implicated in such a controversy. Meanwhile, the actions of Sonamura police have turned them into a subject of widespread ridicule, with concerns mounting over their handling of legal protections for minors.
