Tripura Youth Congress has approached the Tripura Human Rights Commission seeking action against a CRPF Assistant Commandant over alleged misconduct during a June 15 protest in Agartala. The party submitted video evidence, alleging abusive language, excessive force, and violations of democratic rights during demonstrations against NEET corruption, unemployment, and inflation.
The political controversy surrounding the June 15 protest organized by the Pradesh Youth Congress in Agartala intensified on Wednesday after a delegation of Congress leaders submitted a formal deputation to the Tripura Human Rights Commission (THRC), demanding disciplinary action against a senior Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) officer for his alleged conduct during the demonstration.
The protest, held in Agartala, was organized by the Youth Congress to demand the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities and corruption in the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) examination. Protesters also raised concerns over increasing unemployment and rising prices, issues they claimed were affecting the lives of common citizens across the country.
The demonstration turned tense when security personnel intervened to disperse the gathering. Subsequently, video clips circulated on social media allegedly showed Assistant Commandant Ram Kumar of the 140th Battalion CRPF using abusive language and directing a lathi charge against protesting activists, including women participants.
Addressing the media after submitting the deputation, Pradesh Youth Congress president Neel Kamal Saha strongly criticized the officer’s alleged behavior. He described the reported remarks as offensive and unacceptable, particularly toward women protesters. Saha stated that while clashes during political demonstrations are not uncommon, the alleged use of derogatory language against women crossed all acceptable limits.
The Youth Congress leader further alleged that the officer disregarded instructions issued by senior police officials present at the protest site and claimed that his behavior raised serious concerns regarding professionalism and accountability. The Congress delegation submitted written complaints along with video evidence to the Human Rights Commission and urged the authority to initiate an independent inquiry and recommend immediate disciplinary measures.
“We respect the CRPF as an institution, but if any individual officer behaves in a manner that undermines democratic values, appropriate action must be taken,” Saha said. He emphasized that peaceful protest remains a fundamental democratic right and should not be met with intimidation or excessive force.
Earlier, senior Congress leaders, including Tripura Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) president Asish Kumar Saha, had submitted a separate deputation to CRPF authorities at the Salbagan camp. The party described the alleged incident as a serious assault on peaceful demonstrators and sought accountability from the concerned officials.
Congress leaders noted that authorities had been given ten days to respond to their demands. However, with several days already elapsed, they expressed dissatisfaction over the absence of visible action. According to party representatives, senior officials from the CRPF and the state police administration have assured them that the matter is under consideration and that appropriate steps will be taken after examining the allegations.
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The controversy has triggered broader discussions in Tripura regarding the accountability of security forces, the handling of political protests, and the protection of democratic freedoms. By taking the matter before the Tripura Human Rights Commission, the Youth Congress has signaled its determination to pursue institutional remedies and maintain pressure on authorities for a transparent investigation and justice for those allegedly affected during the protest.
