Allegations of illegally selling government land have been raised against two office-bearers of the Maharajganj Bazar (Market) Committee of Agartala, triggering controversy in one of the city's busiest marketplaces.
Sources said that a vacant space located behind the public toilet complex in Maharajganj Market had earlier been temporarily allotted by the municipal authorities to a group of local traders. After the traders relocated to their original designated areas, the land remained vacant.
It has been alleged that three market committee members — Maharajganj Market Vegetable Retail Traders’ Association Secretary Nakul Debnath, Wholesale Committee Secretary Bikash Saha, and Khanna Market Vice-President Harihar Debnath — subsequently sold the vacant government land to two individuals without any legal authority.
Sources claimed that two shop rooms were sold to local businessman Uttam Karmakar for Rs 20 lakh, while another shop space was reportedly sold to a small trader of Maharajganj Market for Rs 12 lakh.
The matter came to light on Sunday when construction work for a permanent structure allegedly began on the disputed land. Members of the market’s Central Committee noticed the activity and intervened, halting the work. They also invited journalists to the site to highlight the issue.
Members of the Central Committee questioned how government land could be sold by private individuals and expressed concern over the documents reportedly being shown in support of the transactions. They demanded a thorough investigation into the matter and sought clarification on the legality of the alleged land deals. The Central Committee members have said that they will approach the Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha against such illegal activities of two office bearers of market committee. They also alleged that the husband of one councillor of Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC) and an alleged close aide of the Chief Minister are behind the scene of illegal selling of government property.
The allegations have sparked concern among traders and market stakeholders, with calls growing for authorities to examine the matter and take appropriate action if any irregularities are found.