A landmark book on Tripura Police history by retired Additional SP Pradyot Bhaumik was launched at Agartala Press Club, documenting 150 years of policing, rare photographs, archival records, and untold stories from royal times to modern governance.
Agartala witnessed a significant literary and institutional milestone with the launch of “The Tripura Police – A Unique History of Policing Through Ages”, a meticulously researched book authored by retired Additional Superintendent of Police Pradyot Bhaumik. The book was formally released during a special event held at the Agartala Press Club, drawing the presence of eminent personalities from the judiciary, police administration, and media fraternity.
Widely regarded as the first comprehensive documentation of Tripura Police history, the book chronicles more than 150 years of policing in the state, tracing its journey from its embryonic stage during royal governance to its evolution in the modern democratic framework. The publication stands out for its depth of research, rare archival material, and historical accuracy, making it a valuable reference for scholars, administrators, and history enthusiasts alike.
The book launch ceremony was attended by former Chief Justice of the Orissa High Court Justice (retired) Subhasis Talapatra, Justice (retired) S.C. Das, former Inspector General of Tripura Police B.K. Roy, senior journalist and Agartala Press Club President Pranab Sarkar, and Editor of Syandan Patrika Subal Kumar Dey, among other distinguished guests.
Speaking at the event, author Pradyot Bhaumik elaborated on the motivation and scope of his work. He stated that the book compiles the entire journey of the Tripura Police from its inception in the late 19th century, highlighting key institutional developments and the human stories behind the uniform. According to Bhaumik, special chapters have been dedicated to police officers who went beyond the call of duty to serve society with integrity and courage.
He recalled that the book features stalwarts such as Iswar Prasad Chowdhury, who played a crucial role in protecting the revered Chandi Temple, and Jogesh Chandra Datta, a police officer who was dismissed from service because his sons actively participated in the freedom movement. These narratives, Bhaumik said, reflect the complex intersection of duty, ethics, and historical change.
The author further noted that the book documents the contributions of several notable police officials, including Kamini Kumar Sinha, Ganaraj Bose, Kashinath Bhowmik, and Surendra Kumar Majumder, who were instrumental in the establishment of the Udaipur Town Hall. The book also acknowledges Amarendra Debbarma, who later served as a Member of Parliament, and Giridhari Lal Datta, who served as Superintendent of Police in Tripura and was the father of renowned artist Utpal Datta.
Praising the publication, Justice Subhasis Talapatra described the book as an important historical record that captures a prolonged and transformative period. He highlighted that the book documents how the then ruler of Tripura directed police authorities to increase surveillance on the Communist Party following its entry into the state in 1937. Justice Talapatra also pointed out that the book clearly records the formal establishment of the Tripura Police in 1877.
Justice S.C. Das, Pranab Sarkar, and Subal Kumar Dey also addressed the gathering, commending the author for his dedication and scholarly effort. They emphasized that such works are essential for preserving institutional memory and educating future generations about the evolution of law enforcement in the region.
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Members of the audience from diverse backgrounds, including former police personnel, journalists, researchers, and citizens, expressed appreciation for the book’s exhaustive research, rare photographs, and inclusion of original documents from the royal era. Many described it as a landmark contribution to Tripura’s historical literature and policing heritage.
