The Tripura Human Rights Commission (THRC), under the leadership of Chairman Justice Arindam Lodh, has recently taken proactive steps to address human rights violations in two distinct cases, shedding light on critical social and healthcare challenges within the state.
Incident at GB Pant Hospital, Agartala
On Wednesday, a THRC delegation, led by newly appointed chairperson of the commission Justice Arindam Lodh, conducted an unannounced inspection at GB Pant Hospital in Agartala. This visit was prompted by a news article published in a local vernacular daily, which reported gross negligence in the case of a 54-year-old patient, Madan Das. The report described Das as being left unattended outside the Trauma Center despite the presence of medical and security staff. The Bengali headline of the article, roughly translated as “Elderly under open sky at hospital, humanity called into question,” highlighted the dire situation and captured the Commission’s immediate attention.
Justice Lodh, joined by Member Secretary Udit Choudhuri, Secretary Ratan Biswas, and Deputy Superintendent of Police Lalhim Molsom, met with Dr. Sankar Chakraborty, the Medical Superintendent of GBP Hospital, along with senior medical officers, including Dr. Kanak Choudhury. Upon arrival at the Trauma Center, the delegation verified the facts reported by the media. It was confirmed that Madan Das was only admitted after the news coverage, but tragically, he succumbed on the morning of May 6, owing to the lack of timely medical care.
Subsequently, a meeting was held in the office of the Medical Superintendent, attended by representatives from the Agartala Government Medical College (AGMC), the Public Works Department (PWD), and other key stakeholders. Discussions revolved around implementing preventive measures to avoid similar incidents. The THRC advised the hospital administration to establish clear protocols for handling destitute and unattended patients. Additionally, the Commission proposed a joint awareness initiative on May 15, bringing together departments like Social Welfare, Social Education, PWD, DWS, and various NGOs. An inter-departmental coordination team was also recommended to tackle systemic issues, involving members from the Social Welfare and Social Education Department, Health Department, PWD, DWS, and local law enforcement.
The PWD’s Executive Engineer was directed to examine the hospital’s infrastructure, especially areas where prisoner patients are housed, for any structural deficiencies. Moreover, the THRC suggested that an under-construction building near the Trauma Center could be repurposed as a rest facility for unattended patients. A detailed action report from all parties is anticipated within four weeks.
Human Rights Violations at Matinagar
Separately, the THRC addressed a human rights complaint involving 323 Indian citizens living outside the border fencing near Matinagar. These villagers reported difficulties arising from the erratic closure of border gates, which were previously accessible from 6 am to 8 pm but are now frequently closed during the day and completely after 5 pm. This disruption has adversely affected their livelihoods and the education of their children.
In addition, residents reported being deprived of electricity despite being consistent bill payers. They alleged interference in acquiring household electrical items and obstacles in carrying out essential home repairs. Some villagers even faced restrictions when attempting to visit their local graveyards. Such stringent regulations have left the community in a state of distress.
Recognizing the severity of these allegations, Justice Lodh instructed the District Magistrate of West Tripura to conduct a comprehensive investigation and submit findings by May 21. The Managing Director of the Tripura State Electricity Corporation Limited (TSECL) was also asked to respond to allegations of unjustified denial of power supply. The Commission has set May 21 as the date for the next hearing.
Commitment to Human Rights
“Thse actions shw the THRC’s committment to safeguarding human rights and addressing systemic failures in healthcare and community governance. Chairman Justice Lodh’s approach underscores the importance of timely interventions and collaborative efforts to uphold the dignity and rights of the most vulnerable members of society”, said a senior journalist of the state.
