Tripura minister Sudhangshu Das files defamation case against Leader of Opposition Jitendra Chaudhury over alleged false corruption remarks, escalating political tensions as the Sessions Court examines accusations, legal sanction, and claims of reputational damage.
A defamation case has been formally filed against Tripura Leader of the Opposition Jitendra Chaudhury over remarks allegedly made against Fisheries and SC Welfare Minister Sudhangshu Das and members of his family, triggering a fresh political and legal confrontation in the state.
The complaint was filed on Monday before the Sessions Court of West Tripura district. Acting on behalf of Minister Sudhangshu Das, West Tripura Public Prosecutor Biswajit Deb moved the court seeking legal redress for what has been described as “false, fabricated, and defamatory” allegations made by the opposition leader during a media interaction in October last year.
Advocate Raju Datta has been appointed to represent the complainant and argue the case before the court. According to the prosecution, Chaudhury’s statements were widely disseminated through print, electronic, and digital media platforms, resulting in significant reputational damage to the minister and his family.
Speaking to reporters after the filing of the suit, Advocate Datta stated that the Leader of the Opposition had accused the minister’s brother, Himangshu Das, of accumulating disproportionate assets by allegedly exploiting Sudhangshu Das’s political position. Datta said Chaudhury further claimed that the family’s wealth increased sharply after the minister assumed office and alleged that Himangshu Das had become the highest taxpayer in the state.
“These statements are entirely baseless and lack any factual foundation,” Datta asserted. “The allegations were not supported by evidence, yet they were presented as facts before the media, causing irreparable harm to the minister’s public image.”
According to the prosecution, the remarks made on October 15 last year received extensive coverage across Tripura, amplifying their impact. The complaint contends that the circulation of these allegations constituted criminal defamation under applicable legal provisions.
Datta also clarified that the public prosecutor proceeded with the complaint only after obtaining mandatory sanction from the Governor, as required by law when a case involves a sitting minister. “All legal procedures have been duly followed,” he said.
Minister Sudhangshu Das had earlier strongly denied the allegations, describing them as politically motivated and malicious. At the time, he publicly demanded an unconditional apology from Chaudhury and warned that legal action would be pursued if the statements were not withdrawn.
| Also Read: Hathai Kotor Eco Park Faces Sharp Tourism Decline |
Political observers view the case as a significant escalation in the ongoing confrontation between the ruling dispensation and the opposition in Tripura. While the opposition has often accused the government of corruption and misuse of power, the ruling party has repeatedly alleged that such claims are aimed at damaging reputations without evidence.
The court is expected to examine the complaint and decide on the next course of action in the coming days. The case is likely to attract considerable attention, given the senior political positions of both the complainant and the accused, and may further intensify political discourse in the state.
