October 18, 2024: In a tragic incident that has ignited outrage across Tripura, five police officers have been suspended and arrested after the death of 34-year-old Badal Tripura, a tribal man from Sabroom, who reportedly succumbed to injuries sustained during alleged custodial torture.

Badal was initially detained on Monday alongside another man, Chiranjit Tripura, for allegedly stealing rubber sheets. Although they were released the following day without formal charges, Badal soon complained of feeling unwell and was taken to a local hospital. He was later moved to Shantir Bazar hospital, where he died shortly after returning home later that night.

Badal’s family has alleged that the injuries he sustained were a direct result of police brutality. Eyewitness accounts suggest that he displayed visible injuries, particularly around his eyes, raising serious concerns about the circumstances leading to his death.

In response to a formal complaint from the family, Superintendent of Police Ashok Sinha confirmed that Sub-Inspector Premjit Ray and Constable Rajkumar Tripura, both from the Manubazar police station, were among those arrested. Investigations are ongoing, with authorities reviewing CCTV footage from the police station to gather more evidence.

The community has rallied in response to the incident, staging protests outside the Manubazar police station. Demonstrators, including many women, expressed their anger by blocking the Agartala-Sabroom National Highway, effectively halting traffic in the area. Protesters are demanding justice for Badal’s family, compensation for their loss, and accountability for the involved officers.