Tripura, 17 July 2026: Serious allegations have emerged from the ONGC-linked drilling project at Silachari–Aymara in Gomati district, where work has been underway since 2024 under Oil India Limited. Alongside Oil India, two other companies are also reportedly executing project-related works in the area.
According to allegations made by local contractors and project sources, a group led by Sujit Chakma, described as a local Tipra Motha leader, has been demanding monthly payments from Oil India contractors. It has been alleged that the group threatened to stop all ongoing work if their demands were not met.
The complainants further alleged that a contractor named Opu Dey was previously forced to pay ₹30 lakh during the execution of civil road maintenance work. They also accused the group of intimidating contractors and labourers working on the project.
Additional allegations include claims that illegal immigrants from Bangladesh have been residing in the area using forged identity documents and that Sujit Chakma was involved in the alleged kidnapping of two labourers from a drilling site. These allegations have not been independently verified.
A video circulating from the site shows a man identifying himself as part of a local team warning project authorities that unless local contractors are given priority, all work at the site would be stopped. In the video, he says that repeated attempts to resolve the issue had failed and issues a strong warning that the entire locality would oppose the company if no action was taken. He also insists that local people should receive first preference in project-related work instead of outsiders.
The complainants claim that the Officer-in-Charge (OC), Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), and other district officials have already been informed about the matter. However, they allege that no effective administrative action has been taken so far.
They also stated that a detailed complaint has been submitted to Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha, seeking immediate intervention and protection for contractors and workers involved in the project.
