Tripura Cricket Association urges DGP to expedite multi-crore floodlight scam case

The Tripura Cricket Association (TCA) urged the Director General of Police (DGP) of Tripura to speed up the investigation into a multi-crore corruption case related to the installation of high-mast floodlights at MBB Stadium in Agartala. Representatives from various clubs affiliated with the association also participated in the delegation.

After a writ petition by two life members of TCA over the alleged scam, the High Court of Tripura in August last constituted a Special Investigative Team (SIT)  to probe the matter and submit a report.

The SIT submitted a report before the High Court. Later, the Crime Branch of the state police registered an FIR but there has been no arrest in connection with the case so far.

On Monday, a delegation of TCA led by President Tapan Lodh and Secretary Subrata Dey met the DGP Anurag Dhankar and urged him to expedite the inquiry into the scam and arrest the persons involved. TCA also informed him that corrupt practice regarding floodlights has extended from MBB Stadium to the proposed international cricket stadium at Narsingarh of West Tripura district. The DGP assured there will be action shortly, said TCA Secretary Subrata Dey.

He said that the TCA's previous committee had provided contact to a company for procurement and installation of floodlights in MBB stadium with Rs 14 crore. Later it went up to Rs16.29 crore.

"It appeared the TCA had kept the general body in complete darkness in awarding the contract. Later, we found misappropriation of funds and corrupt practice in the process," Dey said.

He said the previous committee had given a contract to the same company for procurement and installation of floodlights in the proposed international cricket stadium with an initial cost of Rs 10.50 crore. Later the amount went up to Rs 26 crore, out of which Rs 13 crore has already been paid to the company, said Dey.

TCA Secretary Subrata Dey expressed concerns over the investigation’s slow pace. “The High Court directed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the matter on August 23. The SIT has since completed its inquiry and submitted its report to the Crime Branch. However, no action has been taken against those named in the report and the subsequent FIR. The reasons for this inaction remain unclear so far, said Dey.

Dey added that during the meeting, the DGP raised questions regarding certain aspects of the case, and the delegation provided all necessary clarifications.

Authorities of TCA expressed hope that the meeting would lead to progress in the investigation.

Tripura Cricket President Tapan Lodh further emphasized the urgency of the matter and said that the police chief has been reminded of the case’s gravity and the need for prompt action. The DGP assured us that the authorities are contemplating steps against those implicated in the corruption charges, he said.