Agartala: Nov 12. A fresh wave of outrage has swept across Tripura after Kalamchoura Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Naru Gopal Deb was dismissed from service in connection with the now-infamous Boxanagar football tournament controversy where ruling party MLA Tafajjal Hossain publicly honoured a most-wanted criminal on stage.
The October 18 incident took place during the MLA Cup football final at Boxanagar, attended by Rajya Sabha MP and state BJP president Rajib Bhattacharjee as chief guest. Shock spread through the crowd as MLA Hossain invited alleged drugs trafficker and most-wanted accused Apu Ranjan Das onto the stage, even presenting him with a token of respect in full public view. Senior police officials, including SDPO Shashi Mohan Debbarma and OC Naru Gopal Deb, were also present but did not act.
The video of the incident went viral, drawing scathing criticism and raising questions about political protection for criminals. Following a departmental inquiry, both officers were served show-cause notices on October 24, and late on November 11, the OC was dismissed from service a move that has triggered fresh controversy.
Locals and opposition leaders have accused the administration of double standards, arguing that while the police officer has been punished, the MLA who organised and facilitated the act has faced no action. Citizens across Boxanagar have called it a blatant example of “one committing the sin and another paying the price.”
The episode has become a political embarrassment for the ruling party, with many questioning its commitment to “good governance.” Civil groups and residents have demanded that legal proceedings be initiated against MLA Tafajjal Hossain for insulting the law and the police institution.
