'Reel-MLA' Sushanta Deb Accused Of Intimidation!

Planet East Correspondent, Agartala, June 30: Serious questions emerged over political interference in the functioning of the civil administration after official documents revealed that Bishalgarh Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Binki Saha formally accused local MLA Sushanta Deb of intimidation, misconduct and obstruction of official duties inside the SDM's office. Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Binki Saha submitted a formal complaint to the District Magistrate alleging intimidation, misconduct and unlawful interference by local MLA Sushanta Deb, widely known as the "reel-MLA" for his social media presence.

In a detailed complaint dated May 8, 2026, the SDM alleged that the MLA stormed into her chamber with 40 persons on May 7 during an ongoing official video conference about SIR and used derogatory language in the presence of staff and visitors. The SDM complained, the MLA questioned her authority, levelled allegations of corruption and attempted to compel officials to act on a land-related matter concerning a private Jote land allegedly linked to a proposed MPLAD project.

The complaint further alleged that Deb demanded to know why the privately owned land had not been recorded as Government Khas land. The SDM described the incident as an attempt to intimidate officials and interfere in lawful administrative procedures. The MLA was also accused of pressuring officials to bypass established admission procedures at Bishalgarh English Medium School to secure nursery admissions for students from his constituency. It has been alleged that when asked to submit grievances through official channels, he allegedly refused and continued what the SDM described as verbal harassment.

The SDM further alleged that the confrontation disrupted public hearings and urgent administrative work, causing inconvenience to citizens who had gathered at the office for official services. Terming the episode a "violation of official decorum" and an assault on administrative authority, the SDM stated that the incident had created a climate of fear within the office and hampered the smooth delivery of public services.

In a separate communication to the Superintendent of Police, Sepahijala district, the SDM sought the deployment of an additional Personal Guard and an extra sentry for the office premises. The letter cited growing interference by public representatives and their supporters, claiming the situation had become increasingly unsafe for officials and staff. The matter has also been brought to the attention of the District Magistrate and senior police officials.

The controversy comes amid renewed scrutiny of the conduct of elected representatives in their dealings with civil servants. The allegations, contained in official correspondence authored by a serving magistrate, have triggered discussions within administrative and political circles over the independence of the bureaucracy and the limits of political intervention in government functioning. Efforts to obtain a response from MLA Sushanta Deb regarding the allegations were unsuccessful. No official statement had been issued by the MLA at the time of filing this report.