Agartala, December 20:
Reiterating his government’s commitment to building a “New Tripura” based on strict adherence to the rule of law, Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha on Saturday said that overall crime in the state has reduced significantly in recent years, though further improvement remains a key priority.
A crucial meeting of all Officers-in-Charge (OCs) of police stations across Tripura was held at Pragna Bhavan here, chaired by the Chief Minister in the presence of Director General of Police Anurag Dhankar, Chief Secretary J K Sinha, and other senior police officials. The meeting assumed particular importance in view of the upcoming Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) elections and the prevailing security situation in neighbouring Bangladesh, which surrounds Tripura on three sides.
Briefing the media after the meeting, Dr Saha, who also holds the Home portfolio, issued a strong message against political interference in policing. He warned against the earlier practice of acting under pressure from political leaders or maintaining “close relations” that undermined discipline and neutrality. Directing police officers to act firmly and independently, he said strict action must be taken purely as per the law.
“Whatever we do, the delivery system starts from the police station. Earlier, political interference at the ground level weakened the system. That culture must end. I have never called any OC, and the police have been given a total free hand,” the Chief Minister said.
Highlighting crime statistics, Dr Saha stated that overall recorded crime in Tripura stood at 5,002 cases in 2023, while cases registered till November this year numbered 3,386, reflecting an average reduction of around nine per cent. Crimes against the human body declined from 1,385 cases in 2023 to 753 this year till November, while murder cases dropped from 412 to 275. Crimes against women also showed a decline, from 791 cases in 2023 to 627 cases this year till November.
The Chief Minister said NDPS-related cases were also discussed during the meeting, reiterating the Centre’s zero-tolerance policy against drugs. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah have made it clear that there will be no compromise on law and order,” he said.
Referring to the TTAADC elections, Dr Saha warned that any attempt to disrupt the democratic process through force or intimidation would be dealt with strictly, asserting that the government is fully prepared to conduct free, fair and peaceful elections.
