Allegations against Tripura Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Tofazzal Hossain over reportedly abusing and threatening a police officer have triggered a political storm in the state.
The controversy has drawn sharp reactions from opposition parties, including the CPM and Tipra Motha, which is part of the ruling coalition in Tripura.
The MLA from Boxanagar in Sepahijala district has been accused of intimidating the officer-in-charge of Kalamchoura Police Station during a phone conversation. The incident gained traction after the audio clip surfaced on social media, drawing attention due to its alleged offensive and threatening content.
In the viral recording, the MLA is allegedly heard accusing the police officer of accepting a bribe of Rs 5 lakh from Tipra Motha supporters to secure victory for their candidate in the Autonomous District Council (ADC) elections.
He is also heard expressing dissatisfaction over alleged attacks on BJP supporters by Tipra Motha workers following the polls. The audio further suggests attempts to influence police action in favour of an individual described as a suspected criminal.
According to the complaint, the MLA allegedly issued explicit threats and used derogatory language against the officer, intensifying concerns over political pressure on law enforcement officials.
Following the incident, police reportedly initiated legal proceedings against the MLA, accusing him of attempting to interfere in official duties and intimidate a serving officer. Authorities have also alleged that the MLA threatened to implicate the officer in false cases if his demands were not met.
Police officials have urged senior state leadership, including Chief Minister Manik Saha, to take strict legal action, citing concerns over direct political interference in policing through official channels.
The MLA has also previously faced allegations of disrupting polling at several stations in the Golaghati constituency during ADC elections, along with claims of unauthorised construction of a market shed on government land, further adding to the controversy surrounding him.
The controversy has intensified political tensions in the state, with opposition CPM and Tipra Motha demanding accountability over the allegations.
BJP state president Rajib Bhattacharjee said the party is awaiting verified details before issuing a formal response. “Since the video has emerged on social media and involves a police officer, we are unable to comment until we have all the pertinent details,” he stated.
The matter continues to develop as authorities examine the audio evidence and assess the allegations of misconduct and intimidation.