By TC News Desk
Agartala, 6th August 2025: In a prompt response to a tragic incident, the Tripura Government has suspended the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Teliamura and issued a show-cause notice to the District Magistrate (DM) of Khowai following the death of a truck driver who was trapped inside his vehicle cabin for nearly six hours after a road accident.
The deceased, Mihir Lal Debnath, a resident of Kanchanpur in North Tripura district, died in the early hours of August 4 when his cement-laden truck crashed into a tree near Chakmaghat in Khowai district. The accident occurred around 2:30 am, leaving the front cabin of the truck mangled and trapping Debnath from the waist down.
Despite the efforts of the disaster management team, the rescue operation was reportedly delayed due to malfunctioning equipment, ultimately leading to the driver’s death inside the vehicle.
Taking serious note of the incident, Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha said the government had taken immediate action. “A three-member inquiry committee has been formed, led by the Secretary of Revenue (Relief, Rehabilitation, and Disaster Management), to investigate the matter,” Dr. Saha stated.
He further announced that the SDM of Teliamura has been placed under suspension with immediate effect, and a show-cause notice has been served to the DM and Collector of Khowai district for the apparent administrative failure.
The Chief Minister also declared a financial assistance of Rs 6 lakh to the bereaved family—Rs 4 lakh from the State Disaster Management Fund and Rs 2 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.
To express condolences and extend support, Social Welfare & Social Education Minister Tinku Roy and Industry & Commerce Minister Santana Chakma will visit the deceased driver’s family.
“We are deeply pained by the loss of a life due to alleged lapses in the system. The government remains committed to ensuring justice and restoring public trust in our institutions,” the Chief Minister added.
