Tripura Police Register Criminal Cases Against Two Leaders for Inciting Communal Hatred

Agartala, Tripura, September 15, 2025 : Tripura Police have taken decisive action to curb rising communal tensions by registering criminal cases against two political leaders for allegedly making inflammatory remarks. Gautam Buddha Debbarma, a prominent leader of the TIPRA Motha party, and Gouranga Rudrapal, the state president of Amra Bangali, have both been charged with inciting communal disharmony. The police action comes after videos surfaced on social media showing Debbarma making provocative statements against the Bengali community, while Rudrapal's comments were seen as inciteful against the tribal community. The controversy began when Debbarma, in a viral video, was heard saying that Bishramganj in the Sepahijala district "belongs to a Debbarma family" and that Bengalis must leave the area. He further claimed that "if 200 people come out with sticks, 500 Bengalis can be driven away," a statement that has sparked outrage and concern over potential ethnic violence. In a retaliatory speech, Rudrapal reportedly asserted the rights of the Bengali community, further inflaming the situation. Police, sensing that the situation could spiral out of control, have registered suo-motu cases against both leaders under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Samhita (BNS). The charges, which carry a penalty of less than seven years, have prompted authorities to summon Debbarma and Rudrapal for questioning. The police’s swift response underscores the urgent need to maintain peace and prevent further communal discord in the region. The incident highlights the fragile communal harmony in the state and the challenges the administration faces in managing inter-community relations, particularly in the run-up to the upcoming Autonomous District Council (ADC) elections