Agartala, March 28: Senior Congress MLA and former Minister Sudip Roy Barman on Friday raised serious allegations in the Tripura Assembly regarding an alleged ₹8,000 to 10,000 crore land scam involving illegal land mutations and transfers. He demanded CBI investigation and accused land mafias and government officials of orchestrating large-scale fraud in land transactions across the state.
Quoting a confidential letter from September 2023, written by then-Sepahijala District Magistrate (DM) Dr. Vishal Kumar to the Additional Secretary of the GA (P&T) Department, Roy Barman revealed that several cases had surfaced where land was transferred without the knowledge of rightful owners or proper documentation. The letter also flagged instances where government khas land was allegedly converted into jote land and sold illegally without the approval of the appropriate authorities.
In response to the allegations, Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha assured that a formal complaint should be submitted, and appropriate legal action would be taken after an investigation.
Later, speaking to reporters, Roy Barman claimed that instead of acting against the accused officials, the state government transferred the said DM just 22 days after he raised concerns—an action he believes demonstrates the influence of the land mafia in Tripura.
He asserted that such illegal land transactions are not limited to Sepahijala district but are rampant across all eight districts of the state.
Calling for a CBI investigation, the Congress leader alleged that the scam is thriving under government patronage, leading to widespread corruption and exploitation of landowners.
He even alleged that the CM is asking for a formal complaint when the DM himself had written no action was taken and on the contrary the complainer was transferred which shows something fishy.
Roy Barman demanded that the probe be conducted under the direct supervision of the Chief Justice of the Tripura High Court to ensure transparency.
The allegations have sparked political controversy, with opposition parties demanding immediate action and accountability from the state government.
