In a major embarrassment for the state administration, the Chairman of the Tripura Public Service Commission (TPSC), Retired Colonel Kush Kumar Sharma, was detained by police on Sunday night following a drunken altercation. The incident involved Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury's convoy and occurred at a hotel in Agartala hosting the 2nd Tripura Diaspora Summit.
Convoy Blocked, Heated Exchange Ensues
The trouble began around 11 p.m. on Sunday as Minister Chowdhury was preparing to leave the summit venue. Colonel Sharma's driver had parked the vehicle at the hotel's main entrance, directly obstructing the path for the minister's official convoy. When the minister's driver requested the vehicle be moved, Colonel Sharma, who was reportedly in an inebriated state, refused to comply.
The situation quickly escalated into a heated argument. Minister Chowdhury himself intervened in an attempt to defuse the tension. However, the TPSC Chairman allegedly questioned the minister's identity and began abusing him. Colonel Sharma's son, who was also present and described as half-dressed and intoxicated, joined in, hurling foul language not only at the minister but also at the people of Tripura.
Family Threatens Police, Top Officers Rush In
The confrontation turned physical when Colonel Sharma and his son got into a scuffle with the minister's security personnel. In a further escalation, two cars belonging to the Chairman's family were used to block the hotel exit, temporarily stranding Minister Chowdhury at the entrance.
As on-duty police officers tried to manage the volatile scene, they were allegedly threatened with dire consequences by Colonel Sharma, his son, his wife, daughter, and daughter-in-law. The seriousness of the situation prompted top police officials, including IGP (Intelligence) Krishnendu Chakaravoti, SP (West) Namit Pathak, and OC (West Agartala PS) Rana Chatterjee, to rush to the hotel to take control.
Detention and Release on Bond
Following their intervention, the police detained both Colonel Kush Kumar Sharma and his son. They were taken into custody for causing a public nuisance, interfering with police duties, and obstructing a government official. After undergoing necessary medical checks, both were released early on Monday morning on a personal bond.
Colonel Sharma, a retired Indian Army officer, has been the TPSC Chairman since July 2023. This is not his first brush with controversy. He was previously accused of disrespecting a former high court judge. A senior state government officer noted that his appointment has led to strained relations between the commission and the government, citing his "arrogance and ignorance of civil administration."
The incident at the high-profile diaspora summit has raised serious questions about the conduct of a senior constitutional post holder and has become a major talking point in Tripura's political circles.
