BJP Takes Action Against Tripura Leader in Land Mafia Scandal
The Bharatiya Janata Party's Tripura Pradesh Committee has taken decisive action by suspending Rajib Saha, the president of the Barjala Mandal Committee in Agartala, with immediate effect. This suspension follows serious allegations of his involvement in land mafia activities that have been plaguing the northern parts of the city, raising concerns about illegal land dealings and organized crime.
Arrest and Immediate Fallout
Saha's suspension comes directly on the heels of his arrest by Tripura Police on Saturday. The arrest was initiated after an FIR was filed by Kunal Ghosh, who serves as the personal guard of Shankar Lal Datta, the registrar of the Tripura High Court. According to the complaint, Saha opposed Datta's direct attempt to purchase a land plot in the Patunagar area without cooperating with his group, leading to a confrontation.
Ghosh reported that Saha and his associates engaged in disruptive behaviour towards Datta and issued open threats. When Ghosh intervened to protect Datta, Saha allegedly assaulted him, resulting in physical violence and life-threatening behaviour. The police were promptly alerted, leading to Saha's detention at the scene, marking a significant escalation in the case.
Allegations of a Land-Grabbing Syndicate
Investigations reveal that Saha is accused of leading a robust land-grabbing syndicate that has been active in key areas such as Lichubagan, Barjala, Natunnagar, and the airport stretch for an extended period. The alleged activities of this syndicate include:
- Illegal occupation of public lands, including canals and water bodies
- Fraudulent sale of these properties using forged documents
- Involvement in extortion and land mafia operations
Reports indicate that Saha had a history of involvement in such activities during the previous Left Front regime. Upon the change in political power, he aligned himself with the BJP and continued his operations under this new affiliation. He ultimately rose to the position of Mandal president for Barjala approximately a year ago, raising questions about political affiliations and criminal activities.
BJP's Response and Integrity Stance
In response to these developments, BJP state general secretary Amit Rakshit communicated in an official letter that the suspension of Saha was decided by Rajib Bhattacharjee, the state president of BJP Tripura Pradesh. This action aims to uphold the party's integrity and reputation amid the ongoing legal proceedings against Saha, demonstrating the party's commitment to ethical governance.
Rakshit emphasized that the BJP does not tolerate any behaviour that tarnishes its image or violates the law, reinforcing the party's stance on maintaining high standards of conduct among its members.
Ongoing Police Investigations and Legal Proceedings
Meanwhile, police authorities have confirmed that investigations into Saha's suspected criminal operations are ongoing. He has been presented before a local court in Mohanpur, where police are seeking his remand for further investigation into the case. The legal process is expected to delve deeper into the allegations of land grabbing and associated crimes, potentially uncovering more details about the syndicate's operations.
The case highlights the challenges of combating land mafia activities in urban areas and the importance of swift political and legal action to address such issues. As the investigation progresses, it may shed light on broader patterns of illegal land dealings in the region.
