BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 20th December 2025 : Intense tension prevailed in the Teliamura police station area on Saturday following the arrest of bus conductor Dipankar Bhakta on charges of inappropriately touching a female passenger, triggering widespread protests by transport workers.
According to police sources, a female passenger lodged a written complaint late Friday night alleging that Bhakta had touched her inappropriately while travelling on a bus from Agartala to Teliamura earlier that morning. However, transport workers have questioned the police action, claiming Bhakta was taken into custody hours before the complaint was formally filed.
Workers alleged that around 3:30 PM on Friday, police picked up Bhakta from near the Hawai Bari checkpoint and brought him to the police station. They demanded clarification on how he was detained as an accused before the written complaint was lodged, calling the sequence of events “highly suspicious”.
Adding to the controversy, workers accused Tapan Das, a senior leader of the Teliamura Bus Drivers’ Association, of playing an “unethical” role. They claimed he assaulted Bhakta at the Teliamura bus stand based on the complainant’s version and later attempted an informal settlement. Some workers further alleged that he indirectly facilitated the filing of a “false case”.
On Saturday morning, the situation escalated as agitated transport workers gathered outside the police station, raising slogans and accusing the police of acting under external influence. They stated they were not opposed to lawful proceedings if the allegation was proven, but would resist any attempt to victimise a worker unjustly.
Police officials declined to comment on the allegations. Bhakta was produced before the Khowai District Court on Saturday.
The incident has triggered widespread dissatisfaction among transport workers, with questions being raised over the impartiality of the police and the reliability of law enforcement in Teliamura. The situation remains tense as workers continue to demand a thorough investigation and accountability.
