A security scare erupted in Tripura after TMP legislator Philip Kumar Reang was threatened inside the MLA Hostel in Agartala. Four youths, including Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma’s son, were named in an FIR. The BJP assured strict action, while TMP leaders demanded stronger security for legislators.
A tense political atmosphere has gripped Tripura after a legislator from the Tipra Motha Party (TMP), an ally of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), was allegedly threatened inside the high-security MLA Hostel complex in Agartala. The incident has raised serious concerns about the safety of lawmakers in the state.
On Monday night, four youths reportedly confronted TMP legislator Philip Kumar Reang, elected from the Kanchanpur Assembly constituency, and threatened to “chop off his head.” The incident took place inside the New MLA Hostel, located in the state’s New Capital Complex near the Secretariat, Tripura High Court, and Legislative Assembly.
Details of the Incident
According to Reang, the youths appeared to be intoxicated when they approached him outside his hostel room. In a social media post, he wrote:
“New MLA Hostel is not safe for MLAs. I was threatened on Monday around 10 P.M. by unknown 3-4 persons who were all drunk, just in front of my room. Who should take responsibility for the security lapses?”
Reang further alleged that the youths threatened to mobilize “500 people” to the MLA Hostel in the future. He later lodged a formal FIR against the four accused.
Among those named in the FIR is Pathik Dev Varma, son of Telangana Governor and former Tripura Deputy Chief Minister Jishnu Dev Varma. The other three accused are also believed to be BJP supporters.
Political and Administrative Reactions
The ruling BJP swiftly responded to the controversy. Party’s state president and Rajya Sabha member Rajib Bhattacharjee told the media that the law would take its own course.
“We never promote crime and support wrongdoers. Our government is serious about maintaining law and order and the government will not spare anyone who breaks the law,” he said.
Bhattacharjee confirmed that the seriousness of the matter prompted a visit by Director General of Police (DGP) Anurag Dhankar, West Tripura SP Namit Pathak, other senior officials, and Deputy Speaker Ram Prasad Paul to the MLA Hostel for an on-ground assessment and to speak directly with Reang.
Legal Developments
The four accused youths, including Pathik Dev Varma, surrendered before the New Capital Complex police station on Tuesday night and were later granted bail. Police have confirmed that an investigation is underway.
DGP Anurag Dhankar said:
“There was an argument between the legislator and three-four persons at the MLA hostel on Monday night. Police have started an investigation to identify the people who threatened the MLA. Normally, only guests of the MLAs are allowed to enter the hostel. We are looking into the incident with all seriousness.”
Security Concerns Raised by TMP
The incident sparked outrage within the TMP. A six-member delegation of TMP legislators, led by Minister of State for Industries and Commerce Brishaketu Debbarma, met Chief Minister Manik Saha on Tuesday to demand stronger security for all lawmakers staying in the hostel.
After the meeting, Debbarma told reporters:
“Monday night’s incident at the MLA hostel is a life-threatening case for all legislators. The matter is very serious. The Chief Minister has assured us that he will look into the matter with utmost seriousness.”
Reang himself described the incident as a “major security lapse”, emphasizing that such an event within a high-security complex undermines the confidence of elected representatives.
MLA Hostel and Security Context
The MLA Hostel in Agartala has 45 rooms, of which 40 are occupied by legislators from across party lines, including the BJP, TMP, CPI-M, and Congress. Given its proximity to key state institutions, the facility is considered one of the most secure accommodations for lawmakers in Tripura.
However, this incident has brought the effectiveness of the security arrangements under sharp scrutiny. Legislators have now urged the government to immediately review and strengthen the system to prevent such threats from recurring.
The Road Ahead
While the accused have been granted bail, the investigation continues. For the BJP, the incident presents a delicate challenge: balancing its alliance with the TMP while addressing public concerns over law and order. For the TMP, ensuring the safety of its legislators has become an immediate priority.
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The episode has not only raised questions about individual security but also exposed vulnerabilities in institutional safeguards within one of the state’s most important government facilities. The outcome of the police investigation, and the government’s subsequent action, is expected to play a crucial role in shaping political equations in the days ahead.
