Despite strict warnings from the police administration against forcible collection of Durga Puja subscriptions, allegations of extortion and violence have surfaced against members of a Puja committee in Sekherkote area of West Tripura district.

A driver, Chandan Das, a resident of the Gajaria area under AD Nagar police station of Agartala, has complaint that members of the Durga Puja committee of Chetana Sangha Club at Darogabari in Sekherkote area, assaulted him and took away ₹Rs 1,000 from him after demanding a donation of Rs 10,000.

According to the complaint, the incident took place early Wednesday morning when a group of youths associated with the Puja committee allegedly stopped Das’s vehicle and demanded Rs 10,000 as a Durga Puja donation. When he expressed his inability to pay such a large amount, the youths assaulted him and snatched Rs 11,000 in cash along with his mobile phone.

Das claimed that although his vehicle and mobile phone were subsequently returned, the cash was not handed back.

 

Following the incident, Das received preliminary treatment at Tripura Medical College (TMC) in Hapania before approaching Amtali police station, where he lodged a written complaint against the Chetana Sangha Club Puja committee.

Police reportedly assured him that the allegations would be investigated and appropriate legal action would be taken based on the findings.

The incident has reportedly triggered concern among drivers who regularly travel along the national highway of Agartala-Sabroom road. Allegations of forcible collection of Puja donations and assaults on drivers have surfaced against different club authorities in previous years as well, raising concerns over the safety of motorists during the festive season.

Following Wednesday’s alleged incident, Das and other drivers have appealed to the police administration and the Chief Minister to intervene and take prompt legal action against those responsible. They have also demanded the cancellation of this year’s Durga Puja celebrations organized by Chetana Sangha Club.

However, the allegations against the Puja committee remain subject to police investigation.