Agartala, July 27: The tragic and unexplained death of 17-year-old Benson Chakma, a student of Holy Cross School residing in a private hostel at Bagbasa in Dharmanagar, has triggered widespread grief and anger across North Tripura. The incident has raised serious questions about the safety and oversight of student accommodations in the state.
Benson, originally from Machmara in North Tripura, was found dead under mysterious circumstances, prompting accusations of gross negligence and indifference against the hostel authorities. His sudden demise has not only devastated his family but also ignited a wave of public outrage.
On Sunday, senior Congress leaders visited the bereaved family in Machmara to express solidarity. Tripura Pradesh Congress president Ashish Kumar Saha led the delegation, accompanied by former MLA Diba Chandra Hrangkhawl, OBC Congress Chairman Manoranjan Debnath, Block Congress Chairman Ashit Deb, and other local leaders.
Speaking to the media, Saha condemned the incident as more than just an accident. “This tragedy is the result of sheer negligence by the hostel authorities. A young life has been lost, and the response has been disturbingly apathetic. We demand an impartial and thorough investigation, and strict action against those found guilty,” he said.
He further criticized the state government for failing to ensure proper monitoring of educational institutions and student hostels. “Such recurring incidents point to systemic failures and lack of regulation,” Saha added.
The Congress delegation pledged to pursue justice for Benson and maintain pressure on authorities until a fair probe is conducted and accountability is fixed.
As grief turns to fury in the region, demands for improved hostel oversight and student safety standards are growing louder, with many calling for immediate reforms.
