Agartala, June 18: The political controversy surrounding the June 15 Youth Congress protest in Agartala deepened on Wednesday as a delegation of Congress leaders approached the Tripura Human Rights Commission (THRC), demanding action against a senior CRPF officer accused of misconduct during the demonstration.
The protest, organized by the Pradesh Youth Congress, was held to demand the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination process. Participants also raised concerns regarding rising prices, unemployment, and other public issues. The situation turned tense when security personnel intervened to disperse the protesters, leading to clashes and injuries.
A delegation led by Tripura Pradesh Youth Congress president Neel Kamal Saha submitted a formal complaint and supporting video footage to the Human Rights Commission. The complaint alleges that Assistant Commandant Ram Kumar of the 140th Battalion of the CRPF used abusive language against protesters, including women, and ordered a baton charge during the demonstration.
Speaking to reporters after meeting THRC officials, Saha strongly condemned the officer’s alleged conduct, describing it as an insult to women and an attack on democratic values. He claimed that the officer ignored directions from senior police officials present at the scene and alleged that his actions exceeded the limits of acceptable crowd-control measures.
“Peaceful protest is a constitutional and democratic right. We respect the CRPF as an institution, but if any individual officer acts irresponsibly or behaves like a political agent, appropriate action must be taken,” Saha said.
The latest move comes a day after senior Congress leaders, including Tripura Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) president Asish Kumar Saha, submitted a separate deputation to senior CRPF officials, including the Deputy Inspector General (DIG), seeking disciplinary action against the officer concerned.
Congress leaders said authorities had been given ten days to respond, but expressed concern over the lack of visible progress so far. While senior CRPF and police officials have reportedly assured the party that the matter will be examined, the incident has sparked wider debate over accountability, use of force during protests, and the protection of democratic rights.
The THRC is expected to review the complaint and supporting evidence before deciding on further action.
