Agartala: July 27, 2025: The tragic and mysterious death of 17-year-old Benson Chakma, a student of Holy Cross School residing in a private hostel in Bagbasa, has triggered widespread shock and grief across North Tripura. The incident has also raised serious questions about the safety and oversight of private hostels in the state.
Originally from Machmara in North Tripura, Benson’s sudden and unexplained demise has drawn allegations of gross negligence and apathy on the part of the hostel authorities. His death has sparked public outrage, with many calling for accountability and demanding justice.
In a show of support and solidarity, a delegation of senior Congress leaders visited Benson’s home in Machmara on Sunday. Tripura Pradesh Congress president Ashish Kumar Saha was joined by former MLA Diba Chandra Hrangkhawl, OBC Congress Chairman Manoranjan Debnath, Block Congress Chairman Ashit Deb, and several local leaders.
Speaking to the media, Ashish Saha expressed his heartfelt condolences to the grieving family. “This is not just an unfortunate accident—it is the result of shocking negligence. A young life has been lost, and yet the response from those responsible has been disturbingly indifferent,” he said.
Saha also criticised the state government for failing to regulate and monitor educational institutions and their hostels. “Such incidents are becoming far too frequent in Tripura. The government’s inability to enforce safety and oversight is deeply concerning,” he added.
The Congress leaders demanded a thorough and impartial investigation into the incident and called for strict punishment for those found guilty. They assured the family that the party would continue to raise its voice until justice is delivered and systemic reforms are undertaken to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
