The district administration demolished the illegal construction of the Bharat Ratna Sangha’s building at Usha Bazar on early Wednesday morning. The Club had for the last few years drawn wide criticism for harbouring criminal elements in the area who would openly flaunt illegal fire arms and indulge in open shootings, illegal business , forceful negotiation and extortions. Only recently the club came under direct scanner and demands were raised for some effective actions against it following the sensational murder of its secretary Durgaprasanna Deb alias Vicky. The state government also based on intelligence inputs took the situation seriously and went ahead with direct demolition drive,
The administration had earlier sent notices to the club authorities and informed them of the impending administrative actions.
The notice sent on July 8 last and signed by the Estate Officer of the Sadar SDM office to Dinesh Sarkar and Chandan Chakrabarty president and secretary of the Bharata Ratna Club stated that the Bharat Ratna Club was built in public premise violating the prescribed act ( Tripura Public Premises ( Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants Act 1982) . The building was built on .440 acres of government land. The state government asked the Club authorities to reply within seven days that it July 15. As no reply came the district administration moved in without any delay with bull dozers and demolished the club in presence of huge security force.
The operation was carried out under the supervision of the District Magistrate and the Superintendent of Police from West Tripura district, ensuring strict adherence to the legal procedures.
Bharat Ratna club is a well-known club of the state. It is famous for spectacular Durga Puja with massive pandals depicting archeological or historical splendors which always drew mammoth gathering.
However, the Club also drew notoriety for sheltering several criminal elements and extortionists who used to earn to the tune of crores of rupees through forceful negotiation as huge development activities continued in the area through which all important Airport road passes.
Only recently its secretary Durga Prasanna deb alias Vicky was murdered on city street. Earlier also there were several incidents of shootings in the area in which the club members were allegedly involved.
Recently, the club drew increased scrutiny when several members were implicated in the sensational murder of the club secretary, Durga Prasanna Deb, adding urgency to the government’s actions.
Officials indicate that there is a proposal to build a Primary Health Centre on this land,” he said, indicating the government’s commitment to repurposing the area for the benefit of the community.
Dr. Vishal Kumar, the District Magistrate and Collector of Tripura, emphasized the government’s zero-tolerance policy against crime. He stated, “The Chief Minister and the government maintain a strict stance against any form of criminal activity. No organization or individual involved in smuggling, drug peddling, or land mafia activities that interfere with government operations, such as tender negotiations, will be spared. Strict action will be taken against all those involved.”
Dr. Kumar revealed future plans for the cleared land. The demolition of the Bharat Ratna Sangha’s building marks a notable step in the government’s ongoing efforts to uphold the law and ensure that public land is used for legitimate and beneficial purposes.
