Tripura, 15 Feb 2026: A controversy has surfaced over the allotment of the Astabal Ground in Agartala for organizing a fair and carnival, with a private firm alleging irregularities, political interference, and administrative harassment.
Lankeshwar Bhaskar, proprietor of Apex International, has accused authorities of cancelling his approved permission despite completing all formalities, including payment and obtaining most No Objection Certificates (NOCs).
According to Bhaskar, his company had entered into a joint venture with a Disneyland fair company to organize an exhibition and carnival in Agartala. The firm applied for permission to use Astabal Ground on December 1, 2025.
He stated that on December 4, the Tripura Sports Authority granted approval, subject to payment of the required fees. Bhaskar claims that his company deposited the full amount—approximately ₹5.9 lakh—including sanitation charges, well before the deadline.
Following this, Apex International applied for various NOCs through the SDM office, most of which were obtained except for police clearance.
Bhaskar further alleged that during the process, officials informed him verbally that a portion of the ground had been booked for ten days by an Olympic Tennis Association. He said his company had no objection to sharing the space.
However, when the company arrived to take possession of the ground on December 19, they were reportedly denied access. Officials cited unspecified “technical reasons” without providing written clarification.
Later, Bhaskar claims to have learned that another applicant, who applied after his company, had also been granted permission for the same ground, leading to a conflict.
He further alleged that despite repeated meetings with officials, including the Sports Secretary and the Sports Minister, no resolution was provided. Bhaskar also claimed that an IAS officer threatened him during a late-night meeting, questioning his right to operate in the state.
“I am an Indian citizen and a taxpayer. Why am I being treated like an outsider?” Bhaskar said, expressing concern over alleged discrimination.
The businessman also highlighted financial losses, stating that around 40 trucks carrying equipment were stranded outside Tripura, incurring daily expenses due to the delay in possession.
According to him, even requests to use the ground temporarily for unloading materials were denied.
Bhaskar alleged that on January 5, he came to know that his permission had been cancelled and the ground had been allotted to another entity, identified as a local expo organizer.
Calling the situation “unjust,” he has appealed to Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha to personally intervene and order an investigation into the matter.
“I believe there is a larger irregularity or scam involved. Only a proper investigation can bring out the truth,” he said.
With no administrative resolution in sight, Bhaskar has filed a case in the High Court. The next hearing is scheduled for February 16, 2026.
The matter is expected to draw attention as allegations of procedural lapses, possible document manipulation, and political pressure emerge.
