Agartala, July 25, 2025: A 17-year-old student residing in a private hostel near Holy Cross School under Bagbasa police station in North Tripura tragically drowned on Thursday, triggering widespread shock and anger. The deceased has been identified as Benson Chakma, son of Bindu Chakma, a resident of Uttar Maasmara ADC Village.

It is reported that, Benson had recently taken admission in Class 11 at Holy Cross School, Bagbasa and was staying at a nearby private hostel for his studies. Around 5 p.m., his family was informed that he had drowned. However, the sequence of events and the response of the hostel authorities have come under intense scrutiny.

Family members allege that Benson could have been saved if timely action had been taken. His sister, who resides in Dharmanagar and visited him weekly, and other relatives have blamed the hostel owner and his son for negligence.

“They failed to take proper care of him. If he was taken to a hospital immediately, he might still be alive,” said Benson’s sister, visibly distraught. The family further claims that the hostel authorities delayed informing them and acted only after the situation became critical.

Police said they received information about the incident around 4:30 p.m. and rushed to the spot. Benson was taken to Shanichhara Primary Health Centre, where doctors declared him dead. His body was later sent to Dharmanagar District Hospital for post-mortem.

In protest, the grieving family is refusing to allow the autopsy until the hostel owner and his son are arrested. “We want justice. First, arrest those responsible. Only then will we allow the next steps,” said Benson’s aunt.

Meanwhile, Bagbasa police have launched a full investigation into the incident. Authorities stated that they are probing whether the case is one of accidental drowning or if there are suspicious circumstances surrounding the death.