A major sensation has erupted in Tripura after police recovered a huge amount of cash from the house of a police constable in Salema under Dhalai district. Acting on the instructions of DIG (Northern Range) Rati Ranjan Debnath, police launched an intensive investigation and detained five persons till Saturday night in connection with the case.

Among those detained are two police constables, one TSR rifleman, and a female employee of the Health Department. They are currently being interrogated at Ambassa and NCC police stations.

Police suspect the involvement of an interstate racket linked to illegal financial dealings and drug trafficking. Sources said cash amounting to nearly Rs 50 crore has come under the scanner during the investigation. Director General of Police (DGP) Anurag Dhankar has reportedly expressed strong dissatisfaction over the incident and directed officials to arrest the accused at the earliest.

According to reports, the incident came to light after videos showing bundles of Rs 500, Rs 2,000 and Rs 100 currency notes inside the house of police constable Piyush Debbarma of Tatapani village under Salema police station went viral on social media.

Following the viral video, DIG Rati Ranjan Debnath instructed district police chief Rushikesh Desai to initiate an investigation. A team comprising SDPO Nirupan Datta and Salema police station OC Dipak Das raided the residence of constable Piyush Debbarma. During interrogation of his wife Nandarani Debbarma, the name of another woman, Sanjana Debbarma, surfaced. Sanjana, who works as an optometrist in the Health Department, was subsequently detained.

Later, police also detained Piyush Debbarma and questioned him extensively. During interrogation, several crucial details reportedly emerged. Sanjana allegedly told police that Nandarani had cheated her of nearly Rs 4 crore and that the money was in Nandarani’s possession.

Investigators suspect that Nandarani Debbarma, Sanjana Debbarma and Piyush Debbarma are not the only persons involved, and that a larger network may be operating behind the scenes. TSR rifleman Ajit Debbarma and his wife, woman constable , posted at East Agartala Women police station,  Menaka Debbarma, were also detained on Saturday night. They are being interrogated at Manu police station.

Ajit Debbarma is currently posted in the 14th Battalion of TSR and had recently been transferred there from the police headquarters, where he served for nearly 12 years. Police also suspect the involvement of another TSR jawan named Bijoy Debbarma and a young doctor believed to be Sanjana Debbarma’s husband.

While, IGP (Law and Order), Ipper Manchak said  a case has been registered by police and police investigation is going on.

Meanwhile, Nandarani herself filed a complaint at Salema police station alleging that she became a victim after the cash video was made viral.

Police are now investigating the source of the money and whether it was obtained through fraud or linked to drug trafficking. Officials suspect the funds may have originated from illegal narcotics operations involving substances brought in from outside the state.

SDPO Nirupan Datta said, “We are thoroughly investigating the matter. Nandarani, Sangna and Piyush are being interrogated.” Salema police station OC Dipak Das added, “Nandarani and Sanjana Debbarma have filed complaints claiming they themselves were cheated. Only after a complete investigation will the truth emerge.”