Agartala, May 28:
The Opposition CPIM on Wednesday staged a protest rally in Agartala, alleging a sharp rise in crimes against women across Tripura and accusing the state police and BJP-led government of inaction and indifference.
Organized by the West Tripura district committee of the CPIM, the rally began from the city center area where protesters marched while raising slogans against the government.
The demonstrators demanded swift and strict action to curb gender-based violence and ensure justice for victims.
Speaking to reporters during the rally, former MLA and senior CPIM leader Ratan Das claimed that between April 8 and May 28, the state has witnessed at least 13 to 14 serious incidents of rape, gang rape, murder—including of minor girls—and even child trafficking cases. “Despite the gravity of these crimes, the state administration and police have turned into silent spectators,” he said.
Das further alleged that societal taboos often prevent victims from filing police complaints, and even when FIRs are lodged, local ruling party leaders interfere under the guise of out-of-court settlements. “This protest has been organized to draw the attention of the Home Minister, Chief Minister, and DGP to this worsening situation,” he added.
Condemning what he termed a breakdown of law and order, Das said, “It appears there is no administration or active police force in the state. We demand immediate arrest of all culprits involved in crimes against women and their trial in court with exemplary punishment. We also demand a drug-free Tripura, an improvement in law and order, and action against fascist forces operating in the state.”
While the CPIM and other opposition parties continue to highlight issues of women’s safety and rising crimes, the ruling BJP has dismissed these allegations as politically motivated. The ruling party has claimed that under its governance, Tripura’s law and order has improved significantly, citing NCRB data which places the state among those with the lowest crime rates in the country.
