Agartala, 7th June 2026: A major controversy has emerged in the Jalabazar area under Uttar Padmabil Gram Panchayat following the demolition of an old market shed. Questions regarding land ownership, the legality of the demolition, and allegations concerning the sale of old construction materials have sparked widespread debate among local residents and traders.
According to local sources, authorities had announced plans to construct a new market shed. However, construction work has yet to begin. In the meantime, the demolition of the existing structure has already commenced, raising concerns among residents and business owners.
Locals allege that the land earmarked for the project is privately owned by 72 joint landowners. They claim that the demolition work was initiated without obtaining consent or the required no-objection certificates from the landowners.
The controversy has deepened with allegations that, although the tender process was reportedly completed through the Agriculture Department, neither the market committee nor local traders were consulted before the demolition. Business owners fear that the lack of communication and planning could adversely affect the livelihoods of many small traders who depend on the market for their income.
Some residents have further alleged that the contract for the demolition work was awarded to Uttar Padmabil Gram Panchayat Pradhan Prabir Das (also known as Pronoy Das). Additionally, allegations have surfaced that materials from the old market shed, including tin sheets, timber, and iron, were sold without official government approval or a public auction. However, no official documents supporting these claims have been made public so far.
Questions have also been raised regarding a possible conflict of interest, with concerns over the involvement of the same individual in both the market committee and the implementation of the project. As a result, doubts have emerged among the public regarding the transparency of the entire project.
The issue has triggered growing discontent in the area. Residents are demanding that the administration conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the allegations and make the findings public. As of the filing of this report, no official response has been received from the Panchayat Pradhan or the authorities concerned regarding the allegations.
