Shock in Dharmanagar: BJP Councillor Rahul Kishore Roy dies by suicide a day after bypoll result, protests erupt

A wave of shock and tension has gripped Dharmanagar town in North Tripura district following the alleged suicide of BJP councillor Rahul Kishore Roy, just a day after the by-election results were announced.

Rahul Kishore Roy, councillor of Ward No. 5 of Dharmanagar Municipal Council and Mandal President of the BJP Yuva Morcha, was found dead under mysterious circumstances at his residence on Tuesday morning, a day after the BJP candidate’s victory in the by-election was declared on May 4, triggering widespread speculation and concern.

The incident sparked intense political and social unrest across the town. Party workers, supporters, and local residents took to the streets demanding the immediate arrest of those responsible and strict punishment. Protesters blocked key roads in Dharmanagar. The Municipal Council Chairperson, several councillors, members of the public, and his neighbours joined the demonstration. The prolonged blockade brought traffic to a complete halt, causing severe inconvenience to commuters.

Family sources said that a group of miscreants allegedly owing allegiance to the ruling BJP and closely associated with the newly elected BJP candidate Jahar Chakraborty and his wife Barnali Goswami, former chairperson of Tripura Commission for Women (TCW) visited Roy’s house on the afternoon and night prior to the incident, where he was humiliated and assaulted. The family claims to have identified the accused and alleges that the incident was premeditated, possibly with political motives.

Roy’s body was recovered from the bathroom of his residence on Tuesday morning. While the exact cause of death remains unclear, police have launched an investigation. Authorities stated that they are examining all angles to ascertain the truth behind the incident.

Protesters warned that if the accused are not arrested immediately, the agitation will intensify further. They emphasized that such incidents are unacceptable and demanded immediate and strict action from the administration.

The situation in Dharmanagar remains tense, with police closely monitoring developments, while residents await progress in the investigation.