Tragic Death of Truck Driver in Tripura Sparks Public Outrage: “Where is the Training and Accountability?”

We Respect the Tripura Government, But the Death of Truck Driver Manik Lal Debnath Raises Serious Questions 

Tripura, August 6, 2025 – We respect the Tripura government and its administrative machinery, but after witnessing the heartbreaking death of truck driver Manik Lal Debnath on Tuesday, an uncomfortable question has gripped the minds of the general public – why could he not be saved despite 5 to 7 hours of continuous rescue operations? 

This was not just an accident – it has turned into a mirror reflecting deep cracks in our disaster response system. All the videos of the rescue attempt spread like wildfire across social media within minutes, leaving people shocked, heartbroken, and questioning the state’s preparedness. 

A Shocking Scene Shared Online 

The videos tell a painful story. A man fighting for his life, surrounded by trained rescue teams, yet unable to be brought out alive. It was not only a tragedy but also a failure that many citizens now see as unacceptable. Questions began to pour in: If these are our trained disaster response units, what is their real capability? 

People were not just mourning the death – they were angry. Angry because they believe that with proper efficiency and urgency, Manik Lal Debnath’s life might have been saved. 

The Salary–Service Debate 

On social media, the outrage quickly expanded beyond the rescue failure. The common people started questioning the government’s approach toward its employees, especially in disaster management and law enforcement. 

Citizens pointed out that government employees – from TSR to police officers – receive regular salaries, allowances like TA (Travel Allowance) and DA (Dearness Allowance), and even pensions after retirement. Yet, when it comes to moments that demand action, efficiency, and courage, the results are far from satisfactory. 

One viral post read: 

Government employees run their families, and we, the common people, also run our families. But we don’t get salaries of ₹50,000 to ₹70,000. We earn ₹5,000 if we are lucky, yet we struggle and survive. Why can’t they perform when it matters most?” 

Training in Question 

Tripura State Rifles (TSR) and police forces are specially trained to deal with disasters – from earthquakes to accidents, from social unrest to natural calamities. But the events of Tuesday have made many citizens call this training “a joke”. If, after 5–7 hours of operation, a trapped man cannot be rescued alive, then what is the worth of such training? The incident has not only shaken public trust but has also, in the eyes of many, tarnished the image of the state government. Misplaced Priorities? 

Adding to the public anger is the perception that law enforcement officers often focus on the wrong targets. As one frustrated citizen remarked: 

“In the evening, police don’t catch those selling liquor without license – instead, they target those who have consumed it, just to show they are doing something big. This is not duty, this is arrogance.” Such sentiments, though harsh, reflect a growing disconnection between the people and those meant to serve and protect them. 

The Financial Disconnect 

A recurring point in public discussions is the economic gap between government employees and ordinary workers. Many are baffled that someone earning ₹50,000 to ₹70,000 per month claims it is difficult to manage their household, while common people somehow survive with less than ₹5,000. This has fueled resentment, as people feel that despite their higher pay and job security, certain government employees fail to deliver during critical emergencies. 

Where is Disaster Management? 

The tragedy has now sparked a bigger conversation: where exactly is the training in disaster management, earthquake rescue, or social crisis handling that government agencies claim to have? 

Instead of showing the people how to manage emergencies, some officers, as critics say, are busy giving lectures about “social work” – something that now feels like a cruel joke in the wake of this tragedy. 

 A Painful Lesson 

This incident has left behind more than just grief. It has left an experience, a bitter realization of how much needs to be improved. At  BS Khabar 24 News, we reviewed every detail of the case and the public reaction. What emerges is a clear demand – not just for accountability, but for a transformation in the way disaster management is handled in Tripura. 

We stand by the truth, and we will always remain with the people in raising such issues. Respect for authority does not mean silence in the face of failure. This was not just a loss of one life – it was a reminder that no amount of training, salary, or allowances mean anything if they cannot save a human being in need. 

The people of Tripura deserve better. Manik Lal Debnath’s death should not be in vain – it must be the trigger for real reform. 

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