Agartala, May 19, 2025: The Tripura Human Rights Commission has ordered a thorough investigation into the custodial death of a Bangladeshi undertrial, who passed away while undergoing cancer treatment at a government facility in Agartala.

The deceased, Aradhan Sarkar, 42, hailed from Habiganj in the Sylhet district of Bangladesh. He died on May 17 at around 6:30 am at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Regional Cancer Centre. Sarkar had been incarcerated for allegedly entering India without proper documentation.

In a formal order issued recently, the Commission directed the Inspector General of Prisons to submit a comprehensive report by June 18. “Since this is a case of death while the undertrial prisoner was in custody, it is the duty of the Commission to ascertain the cause of death and the circumstances under which the death occurred,” the order noted.

Sarkar was initially lodged at the Khowai Sub-jail and later shifted to Kendriya Sansodhanagar, Bishalgarh, on April 17, following a judicial directive for improved medical care. He was admitted to the Male Medicine Ward of Agartala Government Medical College & GBP Hospital on April 19, based on medical advice, and subsequently transferred to the cancer centre for specialised treatment.

The Commission has sought key documents including initial health screening reports, detailed medical history, post-mortem findings with videography, and viscera examination reports. Authorities have also been asked to ensure that the family of the deceased, currently in Bangladesh, is contacted to claim the body after necessary formalities.

Additionally, the National Human Rights Commission in New Delhi has been informed of the incident, and cognisance has been taken at the national level.

The case has raised significant concerns over the treatment and medical facilities provided to foreign nationals in custody.