BY TC News Desk
Agartala, October 29, 2023: Residents of Amtali are in uproar over what they perceive as a lack of stringent action by the local police against drug dealers operating in the area. The discontent was further fueled when the son-in-law of one of these dealers was reportedly invited back into the fold. Furthermore, recent allegations of attempted assault by the sons of a police officer during the Lakshmi Puja festivities have deepened the community’s frustration.
The night of Lakshmi Puja took a violent turn when two sons of Pradeep Das, a police officer stationed in Charipara, were accused of attempting to assault a woman. When the victims reported the incident to the police station, some residents claim that the police seemed to stage a dramatic response.
On Sunday afternoon, the Amtali police station found itself surrounded by irate local residents, who are accusing the police of taking insufficient action against the notorious drug dealer, Pradeep Das. It is alleged that Das is running a thriving drug trade in the area, even involving outside youths who enter people’s homes and issue threats. The community’s frustration mounted as the police reportedly failed to take action after a complaint was lodged against Krishna Das, a disciple of Pradeep Das. Instead, some have claimed that the police officers visited the accused’s residence and accepted an invitation.
When concerned citizens approached the police station to report the accused, they assert that they were met with intimidation. Another concerning aspect is the allegation that Pradeep Das is harboring Krishna Das, who is said to be running a flourishing drug operation on Das’s abandoned land near the railway station. Krishna Das resides in the Chowrangi Para area, where residents are now demanding the arrest of the accused.
On Sunday, residents lodged fresh complaints with the police, leaving the community eager to see whether the authorities will finally take action against the accused individuals. A complaint was filed by Menka Daser Vasur, the Panchayat chief of Charipara, who alleged that the police’s inaction is connected to Pradeep Das’s influence. Local club presidents and secretaries have also voiced their concerns. Even the local Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) has been informed about the situation and ordered the police to take decisive action, but, reportedly, the police have refused.
Exasperated residents are now considering escalating the matter to the Chief Minister’s office if the police do not act promptly. In a separate incident, Krishna Gopal Das was assaulted while protesting against the situation by burning effigies on the road. He subsequently filed a case against six accused individuals at the Amtali police station on Sunday. According to the victim, the attack occurred while he was on his way to his brother’s house to partake in Lakshmi Puja festivities. A dispute arose when some youths were setting off firecrackers in the Police Para area, leading to the violent altercation. Krishna Gopal Das sustained a head injury during the incident.
