By Agartala Correspondent | Tripura 24.in AGARTALA | April 10, 2026
AGARTALA: In a decisive move against the rising narcotics menace, the newly formed Lake Chowmuhani Market Committee conducted a successful anti-drug operation near the market bridge area today. The initiative, led by local traders and community members, resulted in the capture of six drug peddlers who were allegedly operating in broad daylight.
The accused were immediately handed over to the Agartala City Police for further legal action.
The Raid: Catching Peddlers Red-Handed
The operation began early Friday afternoon following specific intelligence gathered by the market committee regarding suspicious activities near the bridge. As the committee members approached, some of the peddlers reportedly attempted to destroy evidence by throwing small containers into the nearby river. However, the quick-thinking volunteers managed to intercept six individuals before they could flee.
Key Highlights of the Operation:
- Location: Areas surrounding and underneath the Lake Chowmuhani Market Bridge.
- Outcome: 6 individuals detained and handed over to police; several others managed to escape.
- Evidence: Small quantities of suspected narcotics were recovered from the spot and submitted to the authorities.
“This Area Was a Drug Hub for Years”: Shyamal Saha
Speaking to the media following the raid, Shyamal Saha, the Convener of the Market Committee, expressed his concern over the long-standing neglect of the area by previous administrations.
”For the last 4 to 5 years, drug dealers have been operating here with impunity, exploiting the busy market surroundings. What is most alarming is that even school-going children were often seen visiting these spots. We decided that enough is enough. Today’s drive is just the beginning. Our committee will conduct these raids regularly until Lake Chowmuhani is completely free from the poison of drugs,” Shyamal Saha asserted.
A Renewed Focus on Market Safety
This anti-drug drive comes just days after the dissolution of the previous market committee by the Mayor, who had cited mismanagement and illegal activities as reasons for the overhaul. The new committee, led by Saha, has made “Security and Sanitization” its top priority ahead of the Bengali New Year (Poila Baisakh) festivities.
Committee’s Future Roadmap:
- Continuous Surveillance: Formation of a ‘Volunteer Watch Group’ to monitor the bridge area during evening hours.
- Police Coordination: Regular meetings with the Officer-in-Charge of the West Agartala Police Station to ensure rapid response.
- Lighting Up Dark Spots: Requesting the AMC to install high-mast LED lights under the bridge to discourage illegal gatherings.
Local shopkeepers and residents have widely welcomed the move, noting that a safer market environment is essential for business to thrive during the festive season.
