The rule of law has allegedly been thrown to the winds in Agartala, with self-styled local strongmen, reportedly enjoying the backing of ruling party supporters, accused of holding a “kangaroo court” and forcibly occupying a portion of a citizen’s residential property.

The incident reportedly took place on Sunday at Ramthakur Lane, near Durga Chowmuhani Market in the heart of Agartala. A group of people allegedly occupied a portion of the house of a local timber and furniture businessman, Biswajit Sarkar, claiming that a club would be constructed there.

The incident occurred around noon when Sarkar and his wife were away from home as their child was appearing for an entrance examination. Taking advantage of their absence, a group of local people allegedly entered the premises and forcibly occupied a portion of the property. The alleged occupiers reportedly declared that a club would be established there.

According to the house owner, the property stands on ‘Jote’ land, while a portion of the premises was classified as government ‘Khas’ land. Many years ago, the family had allowed a helpless couple to build a hut and live on the land. Following the deaths of the couple, some influential local people allegedly began attempting to occupy the land in the name of a club.

Sarkar alleged that the local strongmen, accompanied by their supporters, had earlier attempted to occupy the property. His wife, who was at home at the time, reportedly resisted the move. A complaint was subsequently lodged at the nearby Durga Chowmuhani police outpost.

However, the complainant alleged that the ruling party-backed group paid little heed to the law or the police. Instead, they allegedly organised what they described as an “area meeting”, effectively holding a kangaroo court, and ordered the house owner to appear before it.

Sarkar could not attend the meeting as he was accompanying his child for the entrance examination. Later, a group of people allegedly gathered outside his house, broke open the gate and forcibly entered the premises before occupying one of the rooms.

Sarkar alleged that he sought assistance by contacting the local police outpost, the police toll-free number and even the official number of the Superintendent of Police, but no immediate help was provided.

The incident has reportedly created fear among residents of the locality, with many ordinary citizens reluctant to speak openly. Residents are also apprehensive that other properties could come under the alleged watch of ruling party-backed local strongmen.

According to informed sources, the incident has exposed a disturbing picture of law and order in Agartala. The house is located close to the embankment of Katakhal, just around 100 to 150 metres from the police outpost. Despite allegedly receiving information that the property was being forcibly occupied, police reportedly did not visit the spot.

Questions have also been raised over the alleged inaction on the earlier complaint lodged with the police regarding attempts to occupy the property.

With the alleged occupants continuing to remain inside one of the rooms of the house, concerns have been raised over the role of the police and whether the alleged attackers are receiving protection or patronage.