Opposition leader Jitendra Choudhury reacts strongly to the arrest of Pratima Bhoumik’s brother over alleged fake documents and immigration violations, demanding an impartial probe and accusing the ruling BJP government of systemic misuse of administrative power.
Leader of the Opposition (LoP) Jitendra Choudhury on Monday issued a strong reaction to the arrest of the brother of former Union Minister of State (MoS) Pratima Bhoumik. The arrest, which took place earlier in the day, has triggered a fresh round of political confrontation between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition in the state.
According to police sources, Bhoumik’s brother was detained for allegedly using fake identification documents, including falsified details involving the name of Bhoumik’s father, to prepare illegal papers in Bangladesh. He also allegedly brought a Bangladeshi woman into Tripura for marriage, violating immigration regulations and existing cross-border legal protocols.
Reacting to the arrest, Choudhury described the incident as “deeply concerning” and “indicative of larger systemic decay.” Addressing the media, he claimed that this episode was not a one-off event but rather a reflection of what he called a “worsening administrative environment” under the current BJP-led government.
Choudhury argued that after coming to power, the government had “actively undermined legal and administrative discipline,” allowing individuals with political backing to operate above the law. “The administration has been bending rules for its own convenience. This arrest is just one more example of how deeply the rot has set in,” he said.
The senior CPI(M) leader clarified that he held no objection to marriages between Indian and Bangladeshi nationals, provided that all legal formalities were followed and immigration rules were respected. “Inter-country marriages are not the issue. The issue is the misuse of fake identity documents, violation of immigration laws, and political protection offered to those engaged in such acts,” he added.
Choudhury further alleged that this case was only “the tip of the iceberg.” He claimed that several influential individuals linked to the ruling party had long been involved in illegal cross-border activities, including obtaining fraudulent documents and exploiting political networks. “Since 1971, certain groups have been using illegal means to obtain documents and gain political shelter. This is not new. But now it has increased because the environment encourages such behaviour,” he stated.
The LoP called for a comprehensive and impartial investigation into the matter, urging law enforcement agencies to look beyond the immediate arrest and examine the wider web of connections. He emphasised the need to scrutinise potential links to illegal trade, smuggling networks, immigration violations, and other cross-border activities that may have flourished under political patronage.
Choudhury cautioned that if the law was not enforced strictly and uniformly, public resentment could rise. “If justice is not delivered, the people of Tripura may be compelled to take to the streets in stronger forms of protest. The law must be the same for everyone, regardless of political affiliation,” he warned.
Responding to recent criticism directed at him by senior BJP leaders, Choudhury dismissed their remarks as politically motivated and lacking in substance. He argued that such verbal attacks revealed more about the ruling party’s political culture than about him or his party. “Their comments reflect their character, not mine. I do not feel the need to respond to every statement made in frustration or insecurity,” he said.
He added that condemning such statements would only undermine his own dignity, reiterating that his primary focus was on upholding the rule of law, safeguarding democratic accountability, and ensuring transparency in governance.
The incident, along with the LoP’s strong comments, has generated widespread debate in Tripura’s political circles. Analysts believe the arrest could intensify political tensions ahead of upcoming local and state-level developments. The opposition has already signalled that it will continue raising the issue until a full and independent probe is conducted.
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As the investigation progresses, the state awaits clarity on the allegations and the potential political and administrative ramifications. For now, Choudhury’s sharp criticism has brought the matter into the public spotlight, putting further pressure on the ruling government to demonstrate transparency and impartiality in its handling of the case.
