Agartala, May 18: Police in Tripura have suspended a constable and launched a major investigation after a viral video allegedly showing bundles of cash at a residence in Dhalai district sparked allegations of illegal money circulation and financial fraud.
The controversy centres around constable Piyush Debbarma, who was posted at Salema Police Station in Dhalai district. Authorities suspended him after a video allegedly showing his wife displaying large quantities of cash surfaced on social media and drew widespread public attention.
Police have detained multiple individuals in connection with the case, including the constable, his wife Nandarani Debbarma, and several others allegedly linked to the operation. Senior officials said the investigation is focused on tracing the source of the money and determining whether the accused were involved in illegal lending or fraudulent investment schemes.
According to investigators, the viral video was reportedly recorded around six months ago at the family’s residence in Bhatkhaori village under Salema Police Station. The footage allegedly showed bundles of Rs 500 and Rs 2,000 notes being displayed inside the house.
Following the circulation of the clip, Tripura Director General of Police Anurag Dhankar reportedly ordered a high-level inquiry, assigning DIG Northern Range Ratiranjan Debnath to supervise the probe. A police team led by senior officers, including Dhalai Superintendent of Police Rishikesh Desai, later conducted searches and interrogations linked to the case.
Police sources suspect the accused may have collected money from several individuals by promising unusually high financial returns, operating what investigators describe as a possible illegal money circulation and high-interest lending network. Authorities are also probing the possible involvement of other police personnel and TSR jawans.
Among those detained are TSR Rifleman Ajit Debbarma, East Agartala Women Police Station constable Menaka Debbarma, and Health Department employee Sanjana Debbarma, who is alleged to have close links with the accused.
Inspector General (Law and Order) Ipper Manchak Dnyonba said police have begun a detailed investigation into the matter and further legal action, including arrests, would be taken if required based on the findings of the probe.
The case has triggered widespread debate in Tripura over alleged illegal cash transactions, financial misconduct and the possible involvement of law enforcement personnel in underground lending operations.
