BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 14th January 2025: The Teliamura police station finds itself at the center of controversy following bribery allegations against SI Ramakrishna Das. The incident took place during the Paush Sankranti fair, has sparked outrage among local residents and devotees.
In an effort to maintain order during the two-day fair at the Teliamura Chakmaghat Barrage premises, the administration had implemented various measures, including no-entry points at both ends of the fair to ensure the smooth movement of devotees along the national highway. However, these measures resulted in long-distance lorries and other vehicles being stuck at both ends of the road.
The driver of the vehicle number TR 01A 01647, Shekhar Banik, found himself in a heated argument with SI Ramakrishna Das after being stopped at the no-entry point. Allegedly, SI Das demanded a bribe of 200 rupees, hitting the door of the vehicle. When Banik refused to pay the bribe, the accused officer reportedly kicked him in the stomach, leaving him severely injured. The fire brigade promptly arrived at the scene, rescuing Banik and shifted him to Teliamura Sub-Divisional Hospital, where he received primary treatment and was subsequently released.
“This kind of behavior is unacceptable. We expect the police to serve and protect, not exploit their power for personal gain,” said a local resident. “We are fed up with the rampant bribery within the police station.”
This incident comes amid growing frustration with the Teliamura police station, with many believing that the bribery business has become rampant. “On Monday evening, when the officers didn’t get any prasad in their pockets while stationed at Chakmaghat, their anger was apparent,” explained a witness.
The bribery allegations have further agitated local residents and devotees, who briefly considered blocking the road in protest. However, they refrained from taking any such steps to avoid disrupting the Paush Sankranti fair.
Notably, SI Ramakrishna Das has a history of disciplinary issues. A few months ago, he was arrested under Section 90 of the Tripura Police Act by the then OC of Teliamura Police Station, Subrata Chakraborty, for creating a disorderly atmosphere while intoxicated during Kali Puja. Following an investigation, he was suspended. Additionally, an SPO jawan was suspended for thrashing Das with his shoes.
“The actions of SI Ramakrishna Das are tarnishing the reputation of the entire police administration, including the home department. It remains to be seen what action will be taken against him and whether the department will allow one officer’s behavior to affect the entire police force,” said a concerned citizen.
