Tripura to set up crime wing of state police

The Tripura government has decided to set up a "well-equipped" crime branch under the state police to deal with unlawful activities such as drug and narcotics peddling.

The new wing will be modeled after Delhi Police's crime branch, Law Minister Ratan Lal Nath told reporters here today.

"The state cabinet has cleared a proposal to form a well-equipped police wing to arrest crime in the state and restore the rule of land, as was promised in the BJP's election manifesto," he said.

Anybody found having links with drug peddlers or mafia gangs will be punished, Nath said.

"We will seek expert opinion from Delhi and Mumbai to build the unit," he said.

The two-hour-long cabinet meeting yesterday also sought a crackdown on illegal constructions across Tripura.

The ruling dispensation has sought a report on government land allotment to political party offices in the state, Nath said.

"All district magistrates and superintendents of police have been asked to submit details within 15 days for necessary action," he explained, adding that a separate report on land allotment to different NGOs or institutions during the Left rule will be sought for examination.

The cabinet also agreed to extend the tenure of teachers engaged under the Sarva Siksha Abhiyan after March 31, when their current engagement is slated to end.

"We shall retain them in service till the Centre agrees to provide funds," Nath added.