Dharmanagar, Tripura, 26th of May 2026 : A significant verdict has been delivered by the Tripura Lokayukta in a long-running legal battle concerning alleged irregularities and corruption in the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) project in the Sripur Gram Panchayat area under the Jubarajnagar RD Block of North Tripura district.
According to the complaint, a large amount of government funds was allegedly withdrawn by using job cards from neighboring villages while depriving genuine local laborers of employment opportunities.The complainant, Gopika Kanta Dutta, son of Gopal Krishna Dutta and a resident of Sripur village, who also serves as a Para Legal Volunteer under the District Legal Services Authority, North Tripura, brought the matter to light through documents collected under the Right to Information (RTI) Act.
As per the allegations, around ₹2,42,608 was withdrawn in the names of 92 laborers using 55 job cards from nearby villages instead of providing employment to genuine workers from the Sripur Gram Panchayat area. The investigation reportedly uncovered multiple discrepancies in registrations, muster rolls, and work orders.A total of seven individuals, including the then Block Development Officer, Junior Engineer, Panchayat Pradhan, Secretary, and Gram Rozgar Sevak, were named in the complaint. After nearly three years of hearings and examination of documents, Hon’ble Lokayukta Justice Bivas Kanti Kilikdar delivered the judgment on February 17, 2026.In the verdict, the first two accused — Anupam Das, then Block Development Officer of Jubarajnagar RD Block, and Abhijit Das, also then Block Development Officer of the same block — were relieved from further investigation and proceedings.
However, the Lokayukta directed that legal proceedings continue against the remaining five accused based on the allegations.The five individuals are:Sripad Das, currently a member of the North Tripura Zilla Parishad Chiranjeeb Nath, then Junior Engineer-I, Jubarajnagar RD Block. Sanjay Bhowmik, then Pradhan of Sripur Gram Panchayat and currently Deputy Pradhan. Barun Dutta, then Panchayat Secretary of Sripur Gram Panchayat. Kohinur Dutta, then Gram Rozgar Sevak (GRS) of Sripur Gram Panchayat
The Lokayukta observed that there was sufficient prima facie evidence of administrative irregularities, suppression of information, and inconsistencies in the utilization of government funds during the implementation of the MGNREGA scheme.
The judgment further emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in rural development projects. It highlighted the need for strict action against corruption, especially in schemes like the “100 Days Work” program meant to protect the rights of poor laborers.The verdict has created widespread discussion in the area. A section of local residents believes the ruling could become an important precedent for ensuring transparency in future government projects.
Many residents alleged that if public funds had been properly utilized, the Gram Panchayat area would have witnessed much greater development.Tension surrounding the widely discussed corruption case in Sripur Panchayat has reportedly resurfaced after the final order of the Tripura Lokayukta was made public on March 8, 2026. Despite more than two months having passed since the verdict, no visible or effective administrative action has reportedly been taken against the accused, raising serious questions about the role of the administration.According to local allegations, political influence is allegedly being used to suppress the issue through unusual administrative silence. The complainant’s side claims that Sanjay Bhowmik, the former Pradhan and current Deputy Pradhan accused in the corruption case, continues to actively participate in Panchayat administrative affairs. Allegations have also surfaced that some current Panchayat members are still involving him in administrative decisions and government work, increasing public anger.
Questions are now being raised about whether the verdict of a constitutional institution like the Lokayukta will remain confined only to paper. Many locals argue that if an accused individual can continue to remain influential even after corruption allegations are substantiated, it reflects not only administrative failure but also a direct blow to democratic governance.It has also been alleged that the Panchayat system, funded by taxpayers’ money, is being used as a tool for personal and political interests.
Meanwhile, reliable sources claim that about a month ago, the Panchayat Department sent an official directive regarding the case to the Jubarajnagar RD Block office. However, no effective administrative action based on that directive has yet been publicly reported. This delay has led to speculation over whether it is merely due to bureaucratic complications or pressure from influential quarters.The controversy deepened further after allegations emerged that certain government officials and influential leaders from the ruling party are allegedly attempting to protect the five accused through nominal punishment.
Although the administration has not issued any official clarification regarding these allegations, the incident has sparked strong criticism over political and administrative opacity.The complainant has clearly stated that their stand against corruption remains uncompromising. According to them, administrative delays and political influence may temporarily slow down the investigation process, but the truth cannot be suppressed forever. They warned that any attempt to shield the accused would ultimately fail and that the legal and moral battle could evolve into a larger public movement in the future.
The incident has now raised serious questions among the public regarding the role of the Jubarajnagar RD Block administration, the concerned Panchayat Samiti, and the Sripur Gram Panchayat. Local residents insist that unless swift and impartial administrative action is taken, public trust in the administration will deteriorate further.Perhaps the most significant aspect of the matter is that despite such serious allegations and the public release of the Tripura Lokayukta’s verdict, no official response has yet been issued by the administration. This silence itself has now become the biggest point of controversy.From opposition groups to ordinary citizens, many are questioning whether the government’s claims of “zero tolerance against corruption” are merely political slogans or whether they have any real implementation in practice.The people of Sripur Panchayat are now asking one question repeatedly — if effective action is not taken even after a Lokayukta verdict, where will ordinary citizens go in search of justice?
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