Agartala, 4th April 2026: Business circles in Dharmanagar were thrown into turmoil during the by-election after allegations surfaced against a senior officer of the “Surveillance Team” deployed at a checkpoint on Kailashahar Road in Mantala.
It is reported that the checkpoint was set up to monitor vehicles leaving the town and to prevent the transport of illegal goods in violation of election rules. On Saturday afternoon, the officer on duty, who identified himself as Assistant Commissioner of Sales Tax, Naresh Chandra Das, allegedly detained several company vehicles carrying goods with valid documents.
Traders claim that despite repeatedly showing GST and income tax papers, Das refused to release the consignments and instead misbehaved with them. Witnesses allege he went so far as to call Dharmanagar’s business community “fraudsters,” labeling even tax lawyers and his own departmental staff as dishonest.
The remarks sparked outrage among traders, who demanded strict action against him. Some traders further alleged that Das solicited money, releasing vehicles only from those who paid, while detaining others. Under mounting pressure, the officer reportedly fled the area.
Other staff members of the Sales Tax department expressed regret over the incident, stating they were deeply hurt by the conduct of their superior.
Later, traders lodged a formal complaint with the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), who assured them of a fair investigation. Sources indicate that the SDM has already issued a show-cause notice to Assistant Commissioner Das regarding his behavior. Meanwhile, local drivers and fellow government employees have also voiced frustration over his repeated misconduct.
