Photo Courtesy: tripuratimes
Agartala: Tripura Leader of the Opposition Jitendra Chaudhury walked back his insults on Thursday. He admitted calling the South Tripura Superintendent of Police an idiot was wrong. The CPI(M) leader made the remark during a heated standoff on July 15. He said the comment was an outburst of anger.
"I was angry after the attack on our workers in the presence of police personnel and an executive magistrate. On the spur of the moment, I described the SP as an idiot. I should not have uttered that word," Chaudhury told reporters in Sabroom. The Tripura chapter of the All India Services Association had demanded an unconditional public apology for the slur.
The conflict started over a memorial for Badal Shil. Shil was a CPI(M) leader killed on August 12, 2024, while returning from filing nomination papers for Zilla Parishad elections. Party members gathered at Chottakhola on July 15 to mark his second death anniversary. They held prior police permission for the event.
Chaudhury claimed BJP supporters intimidated residents and vandalized three vehicles. He said five to six supporters sustained injuries. He alleged the attacks occurred in the presence of police and an executive magistrate. A delegation led by Belonia MLA Dipankar Sen had requested security on July 13. Chaudhury said he spoke with DGP Anurag Dhankar on July 14 regarding safety concerns.
The opposition leader alleged that police delayed his convoy for over an hour. Officers eventually stopped him near Chottakhola market. He claimed the Additional SP and a Deputy Collector prevented him from reaching the venue. Chaudhury called the disruption pre-planned. He stated, "This is not democracy, it is hooliganism."
Chaudhury wrote to the DGP requesting an inquiry into the SP. He accused the police chief of gross inefficiency. He also demanded to know why the administration permitted an event they failed to protect. While critical of the police, Chaudhury said he welcomed Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha for reacting within 24 hours. He added that he remains committed to state development projects like the Maitri Bridge.
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