The Communist Party of India (Marxist) on Sunday, 14 June demanded either a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe or a judicial inquiry by a sitting judge into the death of a 24-year-old woman employee at a private medical college in Tripura. The woman's body was recovered from the premises of Shantiniketan Medical College and Hospital in Agartala around midnight on 10 June, and her family has alleged foul play.

Opposition Leader Visits Family, Alleges Murder

Jitendra Chaudhury, Leader of the Opposition in the Tripura Legislative Assembly and CPI(M) state Secretary, visited the victim's residence on Sunday and met her family members. He was accompanied by several senior party leaders, including Nabarun Deb, Secretary of the party's youth wing.

After meeting the family and speaking with local residents, Chaudhury alleged that the woman was 'murdered' and questioned the manner in which the investigation was being conducted. 'Even before the post-mortem report was available, how could the police conclude that it was a case of suicide? Unless an SIT investigation or a judicial inquiry is conducted, the real facts behind the incident may never come to light,' he told reporters.

Key Allegations Against the College and Police

Chaudhury alleged that despite repeated requests from the victim's mother, Shantiniketan Medical College authorities had prevented the woman from visiting her home for three days prior to the incident. He further claimed she had been recently transferred to a different department and assigned night-shift duties against her wishes, allegedly in violation of established norms.

The CPI(M) leader also criticised the investigating Sub-Divisional Police Officer for making public statements linking the death to a failed love affair without conducting a comprehensive inquiry. Both the victim's family and local residents are reportedly dissatisfied with the progress of the investigation.

Separately, some local residents have alleged that the woman may have been sexually assaulted before her death. These allegations have not been verified by authorities and remain under investigation. Police have stated that all facts, evidence, and allegations will be thoroughly examined before any conclusions are reached.

Government Orders Magisterial Inquiry

The Tripura government's Home Department on 11 June ordered a magisterial inquiry into the death. In an official order, Additional Secretary Tarit Kanti Chakma directed that a detailed report be submitted within 15 days. West Tripura District Magistrate and Collector Dr Vishal Kumar has been entrusted with conducting the inquiry.

The medical college, located at Madhuban in West Tripura district, is run by a Birbhum-based non-governmental organisation from West Bengal. The deceased had worked as a caretaker at the institution and was recently posted to its examination cell.

Arrest Made, Investigation Ongoing

A youth has been arrested in connection with the case. The body was shifted to Agartala Government Medical College and Govind Ballabh Pant Hospital for post-mortem examination the morning after the discovery, in the presence of family members and college representatives.

The family has demanded a thorough, transparent, and impartial investigation. Public concern has heightened considerably, with widespread calls for a comprehensive probe into the circumstances surrounding the woman's death. The outcome of the magisterial inquiry and any further investigative developments are expected to shape the political and legal trajectory of the case in the days ahead.