Agartala, 3rd August 2026: Panic gripped the local area on Monday after a portion of the roof of the Tripura Cooperative Bank’s Dharmanagar branch suddenly collapsed during banking hours, leaving several customers seriously injured.
Eyewitnesses reported that the incident caused chaos inside the branch, with customers rushing to safety amid widespread fear. Bank authorities, with the help of locals, quickly rescued the injured and sent them to North Tripura District Hospital, where they are currently undergoing treatment.
The branch manager expressed grave concern, stating that the building housing the bank has long been in a dilapidated and unsafe condition. Despite repeated written and verbal requests to the building owner, Bikash Pal, for urgent repairs and maintenance, no action was taken. Bank officials alleged that negligence on the part of the owner directly led to Monday’s accident.
Meanwhile, serious allegations have surfaced against Bikash Pal for misbehaving with journalists who arrived at the site to cover the incident. Reporters claimed they were obstructed from collecting information and photographs, and were subjected to intimidation and threats. This has sparked outrage among the press fraternity and local residents alike.
The incident has raised pressing questions about administrative oversight and safety standards in public institutions. Residents have demanded immediate medical care for the injured, strict action against the building owner, and a fair investigation into the matter.
