Did Tripura Police File Suo Motu Cases Over Communal Comments?

Agartala, Sep 15 (NationPress) The Tripura Police have initiated two suo motu cases against two political figures, including a block president of the Tipra Motha Party (TMP), an ally of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), for reportedly making communal and inflammatory remarks, as confirmed by officials on Monday.

Rana Chatterjee, the Officer Incharge at West Agartala police station, stated that notices have been issued to both Gautam Buddha Debbarma, the TMP block president from Charilam in Sepahijala district, and Gauranga Rudrapaul, a leader of Amra Bangali, under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.

"We have requested that both TMP and Amra Bangali leaders report to the Investigating Officer at the earliest to provide their statements," Chatterjee informed IANS.

The suo-motu FIR against TMP leader Gautam Buddha Debbarma indicates that his recent comments were deemed highly provocative and incendiary, made in public gatherings and on social media.

In a video shared on social media, Debbarma, identified as Goutham Budha Debbarma (43), is heard making alarming statements asserting that no prior permission from the administration was necessary, claiming that if 200 individuals could be organized with lathis (bamboo sticks), they could rally 500 people.

Furthermore, the FIR notes his declaration that "this is not 1980 Tripura, this is 2025 Twiprasa (tribal era). No Bengali can remain in Bishramganj (in Sepahijala district)."

This speech's content is described as inflammatory, capable of disrupting public order, fostering communal discord, and inciting violence. Its dissemination on social media poses a serious threat to peace and harmony within the state, the FIR added.

Historical context is significant, as Tripura experienced communal riots in 1980, leading to numerous casualties and displacing tens of thousands into dire relief camps.

In a separate FIR, the police reported that during a recent public event in Agartala featuring Amra Bangali leader Gouranga Rudrapal, hate speech and provocative communal slogans were expressed.

Rudrapal and others chanted slogans such as "Agartala kaar, Amra Bangalir aar kaar" (whose city is Agartala? It belongs to Amara Bangali).

Rudrapal reiterated the slogan, along with several unidentified leaders present, and such incendiary speech and slogans threaten the communal harmony among various communities in Tripura, risking public order and potentially leading to ethnic conflicts.

The FIR suggests that these statements could incite individuals to disrupt public peace, and the speakers' intentions appeared to provoke hatred and animosity among communities residing in Agartala and throughout Tripura. These speeches and slogans are deemed communal and may lead to significant law and order issues, indicating possible cognizable offenses.

Recent events have stirred sensitive issues within Tripura.

In recent months, the TMP has protested against illegal migration into Tripura, demanding the deportation of all undocumented migrants.

A TMP delegation, led by party chief Pradyot Bikram Manikya Debbarma, met with the Election Commission of India, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Health Minister, and BJP President J.P. Nadda in New Delhi during July and August, requesting a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Tripura, similar to the process in Bihar.

On September 9, the TMP demonstrated in New Delhi, advocating for their three-point demands, which include the implementation of a tripartite accord signed last March and the deportation of illegal migrants from Tripura.