Serious questions have been raised against the disaster response team of the Teliamura Subdivisional administration following the tragic deaths of two young men in a soil collapse incident at Chakmaghat Muslim Basti area of Khowai district on Saturday.
Allegations have surfaced that despite reaching the spot, the team remained largely passive spectators while firefighters and TSR personnel carried out the rescue operation.
The incident occurred early Saturday morning in the Chakmaghat Muslim Basti area under Krishnapur Assembly constituency.
According to reports, James Jamatia (20) and along with Asha Hari Jamatia (30) and Amulya Dhan Jamatia (30) of Kunjamura had gone to the area with a vehicle to collect soil for construction work at their home. While excavating soil, a massive mound suddenly collapsed on them, trapping all three beneath it.
Local residents who witnessed the incident rushed to the spot and immediately began rescue efforts without waiting for administrative assistance. Their prompt action led to the rescue of vehicle driver Amulya Dhan Jamatia, who sustained serious injuries to his leg. He was immediately taken to Teliamura Hospital and later referred to GB Hospital in Agartala after his condition deteriorated.
The incident has triggered a major controversy over the response of the administration's disaster management team. Eyewitnesses alleged that while personnel from the Fire and Emergency Services reached the site first, the disaster response team of the sub-divisional administration arrived nearly an hour later. Moreover, even after reaching the scene, their role was reportedly minimal.
Videos circulating from the spot allegedly show members of the disaster response team standing by, while firefighters and jawans of the 12th Battalion of the Tripura State Rifles (TSR) actively participated in the rescue operation.
James Jamatia and Asha Hari Jamatia were eventually recovered from beneath the debris and rushed to Teliamura Hospital, where doctors declared both of them dead.
Following the incident, personnel from Teliamura police station arrived at the hospital and sent the bodies for post-mortem examination.
Further controversy arose when DCM Genius Debbarma, who is in charge of the disaster response team, reportedly met the bereaved families at the hospital but avoided speaking to the media.
Sources said that DCM left the area after noticing media cameras, leaving questions about the team's role unanswered.
Meanwhile, Teliamura Subdivisional Magistrate (SDM) Apurba Krishna Chakraborty defended the team, claiming that its members had been waiting for a JCB excavator to arrive before commencing operations.
However, this explanation has also come under scrutiny. Local residents and video footage from the site reportedly suggest that TSR personnel and firefighters had already begun rescue efforts and recovered the victims before the arrival of the excavator.
The incident has sparked widespread debate over the preparedness and effectiveness of disaster response mechanisms in the subdivision. Local people have questioned why a trained disaster management team failed to take a leading role during a critical emergency and why senior administrative officials appeared quick to defend their subordinates despite allegations of inaction.
The tragedy has claimed two young lives, while another victim continues to battle serious injuries. Beyond the human loss, the incident has also highlighted concerns over administrative accountability, emergency preparedness, and the effectiveness of disaster response systems. Whether these concerns will lead to an official inquiry or administrative action remains to be seen.