Agartala, January 31, 2025: The family members of deceased teacher Haimanti Singha Barman including her two children have approached the Tripura Human Rights Commission (THRC) on Friday demanding a thorough investigation into her murder and the immediate arrest of her husband Mrinal Kanti Barman.
It is reported that, Haimanti, a resident of Melaghar and a teacher by profession succumbed to severe burn injuries at GBP Hospital on December 20, 2024. Her husband Mrinal Kanti Barman, who is also a teacher has been accused of setting her on fire along with his family members. The deceased’s children and sister have alleged that the in-laws conspired and executed the crime, prompting them to file a case against four individuals. However, the police have arrested only one person so far, leaving the prime accused Mrinal Kanti Barman still at large.
Dissatisfied with the handling of the case by Melaghar police, the family lodged a complaint with the Tripura Human Rights Commission today, accompanied by Haimanti’s teenage daughter and infant son. “It has been more than a month, yet the main accused roams free. Instead of taking action, we are being asked for bribes,” alleged Haimanti’s sister, expressing her frustration with the authorities.
The case has drawn the attention of the Tripura Commission for Women (TCW). On January 27 last, Chairperson Jharna Debbarma, along with member Ratna Debnath Kar and Councillor Manna Saha, held a crucial meeting with Sepahijala District Superintendent of Police Bogaty J. Reddy (IPS). The delegation demanded the immediate arrest and strict punishment of the accused.
“The safety and dignity of women must be upheld. We will not rest until justice is served for Haimanti,” asserted Debbarma.
The Commission also addressed broader concerns, including measures to prevent child marriage and domestic violence in the district. “We’ve decided to collaborate on a comprehensive program to tackle these social evils,” said SP Reddy, emphasizing the need for a collective approach in addressing systemic issues.
Haimanti, who suffered 90% burns, had reportedly named her husband and other family members in her dying declaration. “My husband set me on fire,” she stated, implicating her mother-in-law, brother-in-law, and sister-in-law in the crime. However, despite her statement, no further arrests have been made, sparking widespread outrage.
A neighbor of the victim expressed the growing discontent among locals, stating, “Justice delayed is justice denied. The authorities need to act swiftly before public anger escalates further.”
In response to the allegations, Officer-in-Charge of Melaghar Police Station, Debasish Saha, said, “We are actively investigating the case. The accused are absconding, but we are determined to bring them to justice. Allegations of extortion are baseless and unfounded.”
