Agartala, 11th September 2026 : Sonamura Nagar Panchayat has once again come under scrutiny following allegations that public funds are being used to construct a guard wall along the boundary of the residence of an elected representative in Ward No. 1.
The controversy centres around Suniti Namah Mallik, Councillor of Ward No. 1. According to allegations raised by local residents, a guard wall is currently being constructed with Nagar Panchayat funds at Thakurmura, directly along the boundary of the Councillor’s residence. The development has triggered resentment among residents, who have questioned the priority given to the project.
Locals alleged that although the construction is being presented as a work undertaken in the public interest, the location of the proposed wall effectively benefits the property of the elected representative. They questioned why several long-pending problems involving drainage, roads and guard walls in other parts of the locality have not been addressed on a priority basis.
Residents said the absence of adequate protection from rainwater has already created serious problems in the area. During the monsoon, rainwater reportedly enters residential premises, while one resident’s septic tank has collapsed. Another house has allegedly developed significant cracks due to water-related problems.
According to residents, people living further along the road, beyond the stretch in front of the Councillor’s residence, also face severe difficulties during the rainy season. Waterlogging reportedly makes the road virtually unusable, which residents attribute to the absence of a proper guard wall and drainage arrangements.
Against this backdrop, locals have strongly objected to the ongoing construction near the Councillor’s property. They alleged that the project could amount to using public money to provide protection to a private property, effectively reducing the cost of constructing a boundary structure for the property owner.
Residents have demanded transparency regarding the source of funding, project approval and the stated public purpose of the construction. They have also called for the Nagar Panchayat to address the more pressing drainage, road and waterlogging problems affecting the wider neighbourhood before undertaking works that may primarily benefit an individual property.
The allegations have intensified the debate in Ward No. 1 over the prioritisation and utilisation of public funds.
