Allegations of extortion and fish robbery have surfaced against members of the Puja committee of Sabuj Sangha Club, located near Chowmuhani Bazar area under Amtali police station of West Tripura district, following an incident allegedly involving fish traders on Wednesday.
Despite repeated strict instructions from the government and administration against forcibly collecting donations for religious festivals, allegations of coercive collection of Kali Puja subscriptions continue to emerge against certain clubs and Puja committees.
According to the complaint, members of Sabuj Sangha Club have been illegally stopping vehicles on the road and demanding Kali Puja donations. Although the club traditionally organizes Kali Puja only on the occasion of Diwali, reportedly on a grand scale, its members allegedly continued collecting donations even two days after the festival.
The incident reportedly took place on Wednesday morning when fish traders from the Sonamura-Kemtali area were travelling towards Agartala in a vehicle carrying fish. Members of the club allegedly stopped the vehicle near Chowmuhani Bazar and demanded a hefty amount as a Kali Puja subscription.
When the traders refused to pay, the club members allegedly vandalised the vehicle and forcibly took away around 70 to 80 kilograms of fish loaded in it.
The traders reportedly managed to flee with a small quantity of fish. After reaching Agartala and selling the remaining fish, they subsequently approached Amtali police station and informed the police about the incident.
The alleged incident has triggered strong resentment among residents of Chowmuhani Market and adjoining areas. Locals have condemned the alleged vandalism, extortion and forcible seizure of fish in the name of Kali Puja subscriptions, particularly after the festival had already concluded.
Residents have urged the Amtali police station to take appropriate action against those involved. Whether the police will initiate action against the club members following the complaint remains to be seen.