Agartala: Tipra Motha MLA Ranjit Debbarma has asked Tripura Governor Indrasena Reddy Nallu to intervene after accusing the Superintendent of Police (Security), Amitabha Paul, of security lapses, communal bias, partiality and financial irregularities in the functioning of the police security wing.
Guard withdrawal, complaint and surrender
In a two-page letter dated October 27, the MLA from the 24–Ramchandraghat Assembly Constituency said his Personal Security Officer (PSO), identified as Sukesh Debbarma, was withdrawn on October 10 without prior intimation. He said he lodged a complaint with the SP (Security) office on October 13 seeking impartial action. Alleging that there was no meaningful response, the MLA said he voluntarily surrendered his two remaining PSOs on October 23 at 3 pm and directed them to report to the SP (Security) office, leaving him without security cover thereafter.
Allegations against SP (Security)
In the letter, the MLA levelled several charges against the security chief and the wing he heads. The allegations, according to the document, include:
- Unilateral withdrawal of PSOs assigned to the MLA without prior notice.
- Inaction by the SP (Security) office in response to his complaint.
- Partisan administration and preferential treatment to some police personnel.
- Financial irregularities associated with the operation of the security wing.
- Psychological pressure through repeated transfers of PSOs.
"There is no implemented transfer policy for police persons," the letter stated, alleging prolonged special privileges for certain personnel.
Concerns about safety and historical context
Debbarma emphasised the vulnerability of his constituency, describing it as a remote, hilly, and high-risk area. He cited prior episodes of political violence involving former legislators and a former minister to underscore his apprehensions about apparent negligence and bias in police protections. The MLA named former MLAs Parimal Saha, Madhusudhan (Bhola) Saha and Gautam Datta, and former minister Bimal Sinha while referencing past incidents.
Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| October 10 | PSO Sukesh Debbarma reportedly withdrawn without prior notice. |
| October 13 | MLA lodged a complaint with SP (Security) seeking impartial action. |
| October 23, 3 PM | MLA surrendered his remaining two PSOs and directed them to report to SP (Security). |
| October 27 | Letter dated to Governor requesting action against SP (Security). |
Political and administrative implications
The complaint raises questions about the criteria and transparency for allocation and transfer of police personnel assigned as security to elected representatives. The MLA alleged that some personnel have continued to enjoy close protection and associated facilities with VIPs and VVIPs for periods extending to over three years and, in certain cases, eight to ten years, while others have been denied similar privileges.
If substantiated, such claims could prompt administrative review of the SP (Security) wing's deployment and transfer policies, and possibly attract scrutiny from the Governor's office, which the MLA has approached for appropriate action. The dispute also underscores the sensitivity around security arrangements for legislators representing border and hill areas, where travel and public meetings can pose elevated risks.
What remains to be clarified
The letter sets out the MLA's version of events and his demand for redressal. The state police administration and the office of the SP (Security) have not issued any public response to the allegations as of the time of reporting. It is not clear from the letter whether the Governor's office has acknowledged receipt or taken any interim steps. Any formal inquiry or administrative action will depend on subsequent communications from the Governor’s Secretariat and replies from the police department.
For residents of Ramchandraghat and other remote constituencies, the episode highlights concerns about equitable security arrangements and administrative transparency. Elected representatives argue that consistent and impartial protection is essential for them to perform constituency duties in difficult terrain and to safeguard public meetings and outreach.
The Governor's reaction and any follow-up by the state police will be watched closely by political parties, local leaders and civil society groups concerned with policing standards and public safety in Tripura.
