The CPI(M) has filed a defamation case against former Tripura Chief Minister and current MP Biplab Kumar Deb over allegations of stealing valuables from the Matabari temple donation box. Party leaders deny the claims and accuse Deb of spreading false propaganda.
The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has initiated legal proceedings against former Tripura Chief Minister and incumbent Lok Sabha MP Biplab Kumar Deb, accusing him of making baseless and defamatory allegations concerning the alleged theft of valuables from the Matabari temple donation box. CPI(M) State Secretary Jitendra Choudhury announced the development on Thursday, asserting that the party was compelled to approach the judiciary after repeated demands for clarification went unanswered.
While speaking to media personnel, Choudhury strongly refuted Deb’s remarks, stating that the former Chief Minister had openly alleged that CPI(M) leaders, during their rule, stole precious items from the Matabari donation box and replaced them with duplicate or counterfeit valuables. Choudhury described the accusation as “completely fabricated, politically motivated, and intended to malign the party’s long-standing reputation.”
According to Choudhury, the CPI(M) had earlier responded with an official statement demanding that Deb either produce concrete evidence supporting his claims or issue a public apology for the remarks. The party also served a legal notice seeking a formal explanation. However, Deb reportedly did not respond to any of the communications.
“With no clarification or justification coming from him, we had no alternative but to file a defamation case,” Choudhury said. He added that the party views the matter with utmost seriousness, as such allegations not only damage the party’s image but also mislead the public and create confusion among citizens who respect the sanctity of religious institutions.
Choudhury further stated that spreading unverified claims that target a political party without evidence constitutes a dangerous trend in public discourse. “These types of false statements demoralise dedicated party workers and misguide ordinary people. Political differences should never lead to the circulation of fabricated stories,” he remarked.
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The CPI(M) leadership reaffirmed that it remains committed to pursuing the legal route to ensure accountability and to counter what it sees as a deliberate attempt to tarnish the party’s image. The case is expected to gain significant political attention in the coming days, particularly given the heightened tensions between rival political factions in Tripura.
