Two Tipra Motha leaders arrested with Ganja at Teliamura

Two leaders of the Tipra Motha Party (TMP) were arrested on Sunday after police recovered a large quantity of dry cannabis (ganja) near the Teliamura Railway Station in Khowai district.

Police sources said that based on secret information, a team from Teliamura police station intercepted two individuals Santosh Debbarma and Shyamal Debbarma—while they were allegedly transporting illegal ganja near the Trishabari Railway Station area.

According to police, around 18 kilograms of ganja were seized from their possession. The estimated black-market value of the recovered contraband is over Rs 3.5 lakh.

Police added that both accused persons were arrested on the spot. While one hails from the Radhapur police station area, the other is a resident of Mandwai under West Tripura district. A specific case under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act has been registered at Teliamura police station, and legal proceedings are underway.

Sources further revealed that the recovery of illegal substances, including ganja, from the Trishabari Railway Station and adjoining areas has become frequent, raising questions over the role and vigilance of the Government Railway Police (GRP) in the region.

A significant angle to the case is the political identity of one of the accused, Santosh Debbarma, who is known to be an active leader of the Tipra Motha Party (TMP). He is believed to have close ties with party supremo Pradyot Kishore Debbarma and is reportedly nurtured under the patronage of Tipra Motha MDC Ganesh Debbarma.

While Pradyot Kishore often speaks about the welfare and protection of the indigenous community, it remains to be seen how he responds to the arrest of a close party leader on drug-smuggling charges.