Agartala, June 11: The unexplained death of a 22-year-old girl employed at a private medical college in Tripura has sparked widespread concern, with grieving family members alleging foul play and the state government ordering a formal magisterial investigation into the incident.
The deceased Manisha Das was found dead inside a room at the girls' hostel of Shantiniketan Medical College on Wednesday night. Manisha hailed from the Kathaltali-Madhuban area under Amtali police station limits and had been working at the institution.
According to initial reports, the young girl's body was discovered hanging inside a locked hostel room. The discovery triggered panic among hostel residents and staff, who alerted the police.
Officers from Amtali police station, accompanied by forensic experts, reached the spot and launched an investigation.
As news of the incident spread, Manisha's family strongly disputed any suggestion that she had taken her own life. Relatives claimed she had no apparent reason to commit suicide and insisted that the circumstances surrounding her death appeared suspicious.
Her mother alleged that Manisha was frequently forced to stay in campus during night hours because of work-related responsibilities. Family members further claimed that she may have possessed sensitive information related to the institution.
Responding to the controversy, the college administration stated that Manisha had initially served as a caretaker before being assigned duties in the Examination Cell. Authorities from the institution urged restraint, saying the truth would emerge through a proper investigation.
Addressing reporters, SDPO Amtali Paramita Pandey said preliminary findings indicated a possible case of suicide. She noted that the room where the body was recovered had reportedly been locked from inside and was opened only after staff members and students broke down the door.
The police officer also disclosed that investigator had questioned an individual connected to the case and was examining reports of a disagreement between Manisha and one of her acquaintances shortly before the incident.
However, officials emphasized that the final conclusion would depend on forensic evidence and the post-mortem report.
Amid growing public attention, the Tripura government has ordered a magisterial probe into the matter. As per an official directive, West Tripura District Magistrate Dr. Vishal Kumar has been tasked with conducting a comprehensive inquiry into all circumstances leading to the young girl's death.
The inquiry report has been directed to be submitted to the Home Department within 15 days.
Investigators are expected to examine witness statements, forensic findings, and institutional records before determining whether the death was a case of suicide or involved any criminal act.