Animesh files criminal defamation case against Ranjit

Forest Minister Animesh Debbarman on Monday filed a criminal defamation suit against party colleague and rebel turned Tipra Motha MLA Ranjit Debbarma. According to Debbarma’s lawyer, the case was filed against Ranjit Debbarma for his alleged statements in two public meetings on March 30 and April 09 that seriously injured the reputation of the Minister.

Elaborating on the details of the case, advocate Sankar Lodh who is representing Minister Animesh Debbarma said that some portions of the MLA’s speech in the rallies held on March 30 and April 09 contained highly defamatory statements against the Minister.

“In his speech, he used remarks such as Takla Mantri (Bald headed Minister) to describe the appearance of the Minister. He also claimed that the Minister had amassed a lot of wealth and bought two flats recently. According to his speech, the Minister was in talks with prospective dealers for a property deal based out of Delhi,” said Lodh.

According to Lodh, the MLA went on to comment on the character of the Minister. “He alleged that the Minister had been using the local forest bungalow for personal use such as alcohol consumption and he also solicited companionship of a couple of women during his stays in the bungalow. He made these statements in public prompting the minister to take legal action,” said Lodh.

The case was lodged with the court of Chief Judicial Magistrate West Tripura. “The case has been listed for hearing on April 30 next,” said Lodh.