The chairman of the Tripura Public Service Commission (TPSC), Colonel (retd) Kush Kumar Sharma, found himself in police custody on Sunday night following a major public disturbance. The incident, which involved the state's Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury, unfolded at a hotel in Agartala hosting the 2nd Tripura Diaspora Summit.
The Night of the Confrontation
According to police reports, the situation began around 11 PM as Minister Chowdhury was preparing to leave the summit venue. A vehicle belonging to Colonel Sharma's driver was parked at the hotel entrance, blocking the path for the minister's official convoy. When the minister's driver requested the vehicle be moved, the request was reportedly refused, sparking an initial argument.
As tensions rose, Minister Sushanta Chowdhury himself stepped in to try and defuse the matter. However, the police stated that the TPSC Chairman, allegedly in an inebriated state, questioned the minister's identity. The confrontation then escalated further with the involvement of Colonel Sharma's son.
Escalation and Family Involvement
Colonel Sharma's son, described as half-dressed, is accused of using foul language against Minister Chowdhury and the people of Tripura. The verbal abuse soon turned physical, with both the chairman and his son allegedly getting into a scuffle with the minister's security personnel.
In a move that intensified the standoff, two more cars from the chairman's family reportedly blocked the hotel exit, temporarily trapping the minister's convoy. Police officials said that Colonel Sharma, along with his wife, daughter, daughter-in-law, and son, threatened the police with dire consequences. This prompted senior officers, including IGP (Intelligence) Krishnendu Chakaravoti, SP (West) Namit Pathak, and OC (West Agartala PS) Rana Chatterjee, to rush to the scene.
Detention and Release
Following the chaotic episode, the top police officers on-site detained Colonel Kush Kumar Sharma and his son. After undergoing medical checks, the retired army officer was released on a personal bond in the early hours of Monday. Despite multiple attempts, Colonel Sharma could not be reached for his version of events.
This is not the first controversy surrounding the TPSC chairman. He has previously been accused of disrespecting a former high court judge. A senior state government officer noted that since his appointment as chairman in July 2023, relations between the state government and the TPSC have been strained, citing his perceived arrogance and lack of familiarity with civil administration protocols.
The incident has cast a shadow over a high-profile state event and raised serious questions about the conduct of a key constitutional post holder in Tripura.
