Tripura police have registered criminal cases against Tipra Motha leader Gautam Budha Debbarma of Bishramganj and Amra Bangali state president Gouranga Rudrapal of Agartala on charges of instigating communal disharmony and provoking violence. The move follows the circulation of videos on social media showing both leaders making inflammatory remarks.
In one video, Gautam Budha Debbarma allegedly claimed that Bishramganj “belongs to a Debbarma family” and declared that Bengalis must leave the area. He further stated that “if 200 people come out with sticks, 500 Bengalis can be driven away,” adding that “this is not the Tripura of 1980 anymore.” The statements, widely condemned on social media, were seen by many as attempts to disturb communal harmony.
Similarly, during a rally at Orient Chowmuhani in Agartala on August 30, Amra Bangali leader Gouranga Rudrapal countered earlier controversial remarks by asserting, “Whose city is Agartala? It belongs to Bengalis too, we are the sons of the soil.” The video of his speech went viral online, and police deemed the remarks provocative.
The spread of these speeches online triggered a surge of heated comments and counter-videos, many carrying communal undertones. Concerned that tensions could escalate, police registered suo-motu cases against both leaders to prevent further disturbances.
Officials confirmed that cases have been filed under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Sections 196(a), 352, and 353(5). Section 196(a) pertains to promoting enmity between groups on grounds of religion, race, language, or community, carrying imprisonment of up to three years, or five years if committed in a religious place. Section 352 deals with intentional insult intended to provoke a breach of peace, with punishment of up to two years. Section 353 relates to spreading false or inflammatory statements leading to public mischief, punishable with up to three years, extendable to five years in sensitive circumstances.
Since these offences fall under the category of crimes carrying less than seven years of punishment, police cannot directly arrest the accused. Instead, notices were issued directing both leaders to appear for questioning. Notices have already been served to Gautam Budha Debbarma and Gouranga Rudrapal.
The suo-motu case against Gautam Budha Debbarma was lodged by SI Dipankar Debnath of West Agartala police station on Saturday night, with SI Gobinda Lal Sinha assigned to investigate. Another case against Gouranga Rudrapal was filed by OC Rana Chatterjee of West Agartala police station.
Political observers believe the move signals increasing pressure on law enforcement to act against provocative statements irrespective of political affiliation. Several citizens’ groups have welcomed the decision, describing it as a necessary step to safeguard communal peace in Tripura.