Driver alleges assault, extortion over Durga Puja donation demand; Complaint filed with Police

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Fresh allegations of coercive collection of Durga Puja donations have surfaced in Tripura despite repeated warnings from the police administration against such practices. A vehicle driver has accused a group of youths associated with the Durga Puja committee of Darogabari Chetana Sangha Club at Sekerkote of assaulting him and forcibly taking Rs 11,000 after he allegedly refused to meet their demand for a large donation.

The incident reportedly took place on Wednesday morning along the Agartala-Sabroom road. According to the complaint, Chandan Das, a resident of the AD Nagar-Gajaria area, was travelling through Sekerkote when a group of youths stopped his vehicle and allegedly demanded Rs 10,000 as a Durga Puja contribution. When he expressed his inability to pay the amount, the youths allegedly assaulted him.

Das further alleged that the group took away Rs 11,000 in cash and his mobile phone. He claimed that while his vehicle and mobile phone were later returned, the cash was not restored.

Following the incident, the driver sought medical treatment at Hapania Medical College Hospital and subsequently lodged a written complaint at Amtali Police Station against members of the Chetana Sangha Puja Committee. The complainant stated that police have assured him that the matter will be thoroughly investigated and appropriate legal action will be taken based on the findings.

The incident has once again brought the issue of forcible collection of festival donations under scrutiny. Similar allegations of harassment, assault and extortion involving vehicle drivers have been reported from different parts of the state in previous years. Despite repeated warnings by law enforcement agencies against such activities, the latest allegation has raised concerns over the persistence of the practice.

News of the incident reportedly triggered apprehension among drivers who regularly use the Agartala-Sabroom road. The victim, along with several other drivers, has appealed to the police administration and the Chief Minister for immediate intervention. They have demanded stringent action against those found responsible and called for measures to prevent similar incidents during the festive season.

However, the version of the Chetana Sangha Club Puja Committee could not be obtained immediately. The veracity of the allegations will be determined through the ongoing police investigation.

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