Tripura Teacher Burned Alive: Women’s Panel Demands Justice and Arrests

AGARTALA: In a heart-wrenching incident that has sent shockwaves across Tripura, Haimanti Singha Barman, a teacher and housewife, tragically succumbed to severe burn injuries at GBP Hospital, Thakur Para, in Melaghar under the Sepahijala district on December 20, 2024.

Haimanti’s death, allegedly caused by her husband Mrinal Kanti Barman, and his family, has sparked outrage and led to the intervention of the Tripura Commission for Women (TCW).

According to reports, Haimanti had sustained 90% burns, and in her deathbed declaration, she had alleged that her husband and his relatives, including her mother-in-law, brother-in-law, and sister-in-law, had set her on fire. "My husband set me on fire," she declared clearly. Such a statement has come amidst no arrests one month after this incident, which has caused public outrage and criticism of law enforcement agencies.

The Tripura Commission for Women has taken up the case of Haimanti under the chairpersonship of Chairperson Jharna Debbarma. The team, which consists of member Ratna Debnath Kar and Councillor Manna Saha, has met with Superintendent of Police (SP) Bogaty J. Reddy, IPS, from the Sepahijala district. The delegation demanded that the accused be immediately arrested and seriously punished.

"The dignity and safety of women must be maintained. We will not be satisfied until justice is delivered to Haimanti," said Debbarma. The Commission also highlighted systemic issues, such as child marriage and domestic violence, that have been under discussion, calling for a concerted approach to eradicate such social evils. SP Reddy said, "We have resolved to work in tandem on a holistic program toward these challenges.

The lack of progress in the investigation has led to widespread criticism of law enforcement. Haimanti’s family has accused the police of inaction and corruption. “It’s been over a month, and the accused are still roaming free. Instead of action, we’re being asked for bribes,” alleged Haimanti’s sister, voicing her anguish.

To these allegations, Officer-in-Charge of Melaghar Police Station Debasish Saha defended the police efforts. "We are actively investigating the case. The accused are absconding but we are determined to bring them to justice. Allegations of extortion are baseless," he stated.

However, the public remains skeptical, with neighbors and activists rallying behind the grieving family. "Justice delayed is justice denied," said a neighbor, encapsulating the growing frustration.

ALSO READ:

ALSO WATCH: