By Firstdespatch Desk May 25, 2023
Agartala, May 25 (FD) The vice president of the BJP SC Morcha, Manik Lal Das, also known as "Kala Manik" due to his alleged involvement in mafia activities, was arrested following a First Information Report (FIR) filed by Jayden Saha, a BJP youth wing worker.
The senior BJP leader stands accused of assaulting Saha, which led to his hospitalization due to health complications.
The incident occurred when Das and his associates reportedly ransacked Saha's house and assaulted him and his mother. The altercation arose after objections were raised against a proposed fair organised by Das in their locality. Saha alleges that he was assaulted by Das and his men after confronting them about the concerns, and that his mother was also abused during the event.
Saha accused Das of misusing his political position within the party and enjoying unwarranted privileges. He filed a police complaint and notified the BJP state president about the matter, alleging that Das is involved in unlawful activities shielded by his political post.
Swift police action led to Das' arrest, and he was subsequently produced before the court, where he was remanded for two days. The accused is facing charges under several sections of the Indian Penal Code, including trespassing, assault, criminal intimidation, and criminal conspiracy.
Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha urged political parties not to interfere, emphasising that the law should take its own course. However, party insiders suggest that the incident has further fueled the existing intra-party tensions within the BJP in South Tripura district.
Das, a loyalist of Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Pratima Bhoumik, was seen as one of the most influential leaders in the region.
The case has drawn attention to the alleged misuse of power within the party and highlights the need for a thorough investigation to ascertain the truth. FD SB JK