In a significant development, Manik Lal Das, alias ‘Kalo Manik,’ the controversial strongman of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Belonia under South Tripura District, was apprehended on Wednesday (May 24).
Notably, a few weeks ago, BJP’s South District Yuva Morcha president, an accused of money extortion from a contractor, was arrested. Kalo Manik is the second high-profile political figure of the ruling BJP who had been put behind the bar.
The arrest followed an incident on May 23, where Das and his accomplices attacked the residence of fellow party leader Joydeb Saha, subjecting the family members, including women, to assault.
Das, a former member of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPIM), had been expelled from the Red Party in the past due to his involvement in various contentious activities. He later joined the BJP and gained prominence, reportedly due to his close ties with top party leaders.
However, his association with controversy persisted, with allegations of extortion, physical assaults, and other antisocial activities attached to his name.
Despite these allegations, Das managed to secure the position of vice president in the BJP’s Belonia unit SC Morcha.
The violence that led to his arrest occurred on Tuesday night between Das and local BJP leader Joydeb Saha.
Subsequently, Das orchestrated an attack on Saha’s residence in Madhyapara in Belonia.
In an official police complaint, Saha accused Das, along with another individual named Chandan Das and eight to ten others, of forcefully entering Saha’s home and assaulting him, his mother, and other family members.
Following the complaint, Das was charged under sections 120(b), 448, 325, 354, 382, 506, and 307 of the Indian Penal Code. Senior Police officer arrested Das today and he presented before the court, where he was remanded in police custody for two days.
It is worth noting that Das reported feeling unwell during his court appearance, prompting the court to arrange for a medical check-up.
The arrest of someone like ‘Kalo Manik’ has been met with jubilation among the local population. The news of his apprehension spread quickly, bringing a sense of relief to the residents of Belonia. Many in the town believe that the state government’s action against figures like ‘Kalo Manik’ will prove advantageous for the ruling party.
“Kalo Manik was expelled by the CPIM due to his infamous and violent activities. We were surprised to see his rise within a party like the BJP. He always boasted about his close connections with influential leaders in the state, creating an atmosphere of fear and terror. It is commendable to witness the current government’s efforts to cleanse such malpractices,” expressed some traders anonymously.
The arrest of ‘Kalo Manik’ not only sends a strong message against criminal elements within political parties but also underscores the government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring the safety of common people.