In a significant development that has sparked widespread discussion across Tripura’s administrative and legal circles, the Tripura High Court has strongly criticized senior officials of the State Home Department and Police for allegedly submitting false information and attempting to mislead the judiciary in connection with an alleged assault inside a police station.
The observations were made by a Division Bench comprising Chief Justice M.S. Ramachandra Rao and Justice Biswajit Palit while hearing a case related to the alleged assault of youth Saikat Saha inside East Agartala Police Station on April 4. The case has drawn considerable public attention due to serious allegations regarding police conduct and administrative accountability.
Initially, an inquiry conducted by the police had denied that any assault took place inside the police station. However, a subsequent investigation by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) reportedly reached a different conclusion. According to the SIT findings, Saikat Saha was assaulted by outsiders within the premises of the police station while police personnel were present but allegedly failed to intervene.
Taking note of the SIT report, the High Court expressed strong displeasure over an affidavit filed on behalf of the State Government that contradicted the evidence gathered during the investigation. The Bench directed the State Government to initiate appropriate action against the officials responsible for submitting the affidavit, including the concerned Under Secretary. The court also ordered action against the police officer who had earlier submitted what it termed an incorrect report.
The judges observed that the possibility of outsiders entering a police station and assaulting a citizen without intervention from law enforcement personnel was deeply disturbing and raised serious concerns about policing standards and accountability.
The case has already resulted in administrative action against individuals allegedly linked to the incident. Rabindra Narayan Ghosh, a former Agartala Municipal Corporation Task Force official accused of demanding a bribe from Saha’s family, has been dismissed from service and arrested along with another accused. Both remain in judicial custody.
Senior advocate Purushottam Ray Barman, appearing for Saikat Saha, said the court made strong observations against both the Home Department and Police for allegedly misleading the judiciary. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on June 23, when the court will review compliance with its directives.
Legal experts view the High Court’s intervention as a strong message on transparency, accountability and the obligation of public officials to place accurate facts before constitutional courts.
