Tripura DMs write to police, seek security for field level officers

Agartala: Three days after a Block Developmet Officer was attacked by a group of miscreants while performing his duty, many district magistrates have written to their respective superintendents of police to provide security to their BDOs and Deputy Collector and Magistrates (DCMs) across the state.

Block Development Officer (BDO) Vaijayanta Sarkar of Poangbari Rural Development block was attacked by at least 40-50 people while working to implement Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana in Poangbari area under South Tripura district.

All of this reportedly happened in front of the police. Some government officials managed to escape to save their lives.

On Friday, district governors including Unakoti District Magistrate UK Chakma and Sepahijala District Magistrate Vishwasree B directed the respective district police superintendents about the incident and told the police to ensure adequate security for the groundwork of BDOs and DCMs.

The district magistrates were of the opinion that government officials needed to ensure adequate security to avoid any untoward incidents in providing administrative facilities to the people.

“This is to bring to your notice that on September 15 last, BDO, Poangbari Block of South Tripura district, was seriously and physically assaulted by some miscreants while he was performing government duty. Such unfortunate incident is highly condemnable and uncalled for and the lives of field level officers, who are implementing government schemes and projects in the district are highly vulnerable and susceptible to such kind of dastardly action”, the letter written by Unakoti District Magistrate reads.

“It is also a fact that your constant support and timely providing of security personnel as & when requisite is highly commendable and appreciated,” the letter reads.

“However, in view of the recent incident as narrated above, your personal attention is drawn with a special request to provide adequate security to the BDOs & DCMS Through the concerned SDPOS & OCs as and when requested so that, safety and security for these field level officers are ensured while discharging Government duty,” the letter informed.

Following the incident, Tripura Police had arrested 5 people in connection with the incident. However, similar untoward incidents were also feared in other parts of Tripura.

Meanwhile, both the IAS and TCS Association of Tripura have strongly condemned the attack on their colleague officer, Vaijayanta Sarkar (TCS 2014 batch) and have demanded immediate action against the culprits.

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