Agartala animal shelter controversy escalates as teacher Nibedita Sengupta and NGOs file FIRs against each other over allegations of unhygienic conditions, illegal shelter operations, and conspiracy, prompting administrative scrutiny and public concern over animal welfare.
Agartala witnessed a heated controversy on Sunday after a teacher running a private shelter house for stray animals accused two animal welfare NGOs of conspiracy, while counter-allegations of unhygienic conditions and public nuisance led to multiple FIRs being lodged.
Nibedita Sengupta, a school teacher by profession, addressed a press conference at the Agartala Press Club, strongly denying allegations that animals were being kept in inhumane and unhygienic conditions at her residence. She alleged that vested interests were targeting her after she approached the government seeking official registration for her shelter house.
Sengupta claimed that documentation for converting her shelter into a registered non-governmental organisation was already underway when the controversy erupted. According to her, the allegations were part of a deliberate attempt to obstruct her efforts to secure legal recognition and government support.
Terming the accusations as “false propaganda,” Sengupta said she has been rescuing, treating and caring for stray animals for several years, performing the same work as registered NGOs but without institutional backing. She stated that she had even sold her gold jewellery to manage food, medical treatment and shelter for nearly 150 dogs and cats.
Following the incident, Sengupta lodged a First Information Report against members of two animal welfare NGOs, accusing them of unlawfully entering her residence, searching the premises without consent and creating chaos. She alleged that the intrusion caused fear and distress and was intended to malign her reputation.
The controversy intensified after panic spread in the Srinagar Milan Chakra area on Friday when several dead dogs and cats were reportedly recovered from the residence of Sunil Chandra Das, a retired BSNL supervisor. Local residents alleged that the house had been operating as an unregistered animal shelter and raised concerns about disturbing activities taking place in the area for years.
In response, one of the NGOs named in the FIR held a separate press conference on Sunday, strongly refuting Sengupta’s claims. Members of the NGO accused her of keeping animals in severely unhygienic conditions, causing foul smells and health hazards that disturbed local residents.
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The NGO representatives further alleged that dead animals were found within the premises and claimed that Sengupta lacked the capacity and infrastructure to properly care for the large number of animals housed there.
With FIRs lodged from both sides, the matter has now drawn the attention of the administration. Authorities are expected to investigate the allegations, assess animal welfare conditions and determine whether legal norms governing animal shelters were violated.
