Agartala: Three separate complaints were filed on Friday against former Tripura Chief Minister and senior CPI(M) leader Manik Sarkar at two police stations in the Mohanpur subdivision of West Tripura, alleging that his recent statement could incite unrest and disturb public order, according to police and complainants.
Allegation and legal provisions sought
The complaints, lodged after a political programme on August 10 in Agartala that formed part of a protest against the state and central governments, contend that Sarkar warned the agitation would intensify if authorities did not act on an 11-point charter of demands. The complainants quoted a reported remark attributed to Sarkar:
“The country and the state will go on the path of militant movement”.
The petitioners have sought registration of a case under Sections 147, 148, 152 and 353(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with other relevant provisions related to abetment and criminal conspiracy, asserting the remark might encourage supporters to escalate demonstrations or be misused by anti-social elements to provoke violence.
Where complaints were filed and who lodged them
According to police records and statements by the complainants, two complaints were submitted at Sidhai Police Station and one at Lefunga Police Station in Mohanpur subdivision.
- At Sidhai Police Station: Jayanta Debnath and Indrajit Datta lodged complaints.
- At Lefunga Police Station: Rajishing Debbarma filed a complaint.
| Complainant | Police Station | Alleged offence(s) sought |
|---|---|---|
| Jayanta Debnath | Sidhai | Sections 147, 148, 152, 353(1) BNS; abetment, conspiracy |
| Indrajit Datta | Sidhai | Sections 147, 148, 152, 353(1) BNS; abetment, conspiracy |
| Rajishing Debbarma | Lefunga | Sections 147, 148, 152, 353(1) BNS; abetment, conspiracy |
Sarkar's response
Reacting to the complaints, Manik Sarkar said his remarks had been taken out of context and distorted. He accused the ruling BJP-led government of using police cases and administrative mechanisms to intimidate the opposition and divert attention from its failures.
"These cases have been filed with the backing of the ruling BJP and the govt," Sarkar said, according to reports, asserting such measures would not weaken the CPI(M) or halt its political activities.
Sarkar denied making any statement intended to incite violence and described the allegation as a selective presentation of his speech for political purposes. He urged supporters to remain peaceful and continue legitimate democratic protests to press for the 11-point charter of demands that formed the basis of the August 10 event.
Public order and political context
The complaints highlight rising political tension in Tripura, where public demonstrations and opposition protests have been a recurring feature. The petitioners argued that statements by senior leaders must not create an atmosphere that could provoke unrest, and have asked the police to examine whether Sarkar's words crossed the threshold from political rhetoric to criminal offence under the cited BNS provisions.
Police officials at the concerned stations said they had received the complaints and were examining the submissions. No formal chargesheets or FIRs had been confirmed by late Friday; further legal steps will depend on the police assessment and any direction from senior law enforcement authorities.
Possible next steps
- Police may record Sarkar's statement and seek additional evidence, including recordings of the August 10 event.
- Authorities will determine whether the allegations meet the legal threshold to register a case under the cited sections of the BNS.
- Depending on findings, the matter could proceed to formal investigation, charges and, if warranted, prosecution.
The developments come against a backdrop of contested politics in the state, with the CPI(M) and other opposition parties staging demonstrations on governance and policy issues. The complainants maintain their action is intended to prevent escalation and protect law and order, while Sarkar and his party view the move as part of political pressure on dissenting voices.
Police and administrative sources did not provide any timetable for concluding their preliminary enquiries. Observers say the next few days may clarify whether the complaints evolve into formal cases or remain limited to initial allegations and counterclaims in the political arena.
