Tripura, 08 August 2025: A wave of protest erupted at the Hawai Bari naka point under Teliamura Police Station as several vegetable vendors and vehicle drivers alleged illegal extortion and harassment by the police, especially Constable Biswajit Malakar, who was on duty at the checkpoint.
According to multiple vendors and drivers arriving from different parts of the state, Constable Malakar was allegedly demanding money under the pretext of “overload fines.” In several cases, even when no official fine was due, he reportedly asked them to pay ₹100, ₹200, or ₹300 as a “donation.”
Outraged by the alleged misconduct, the traders and drivers began protesting on the road. Upon receiving information, Teliamura SDPO Pannalal Sen and Officer-in-Charge Jayanta Kumar Dey rushed to the spot and spoke to the protestors, eventually bringing the situation under control.
The vendors claimed that this wasn’t the first time such illegal toll collection had occurred at this checkpoint. They said police personnel often harassed them during transit by threatening fines and taking pictures of their goods, even when there were no violations.
A woman vegetable seller expressed her frustration, saying, “Even if I didn’t carry goods, they stopped my vehicle. I’ve lost produce before because of this. Who will compensate for the loss?”
Constable Biswajit Malakar, when questioned, claimed, “Only two vegetable sellers were stopped. I took pictures and sent them to my seniors for instruction. If instructed to let them go, I would. I have no problem.”
He also denied taking bribes but admitted to clicking photos and reporting to superiors. However, his justification did little to calm the angry vendors.
In response to the growing outcry, the police department has stated that an investigation is underway and appropriate action will be taken. As per the latest updates, disciplinary action against Constable Biswajit Malakar is expected soon.
