Tensions erupted in the Tripura Legislative Assembly on Monday as Speaker Rampada Jamatia expelled Congress MLA Sudip Roy Barman from the House for allegedly violating Assembly rules, while the principal Opposition CPI(M) staged a walkout in protest.

The action followed Roy Barman’s repeated raising of the issue concerning the alleged suicide note of deceased Tripura DGP Anurag Dhankar after the conclusion of the Question Hour.

After Question Hour ended, Roy Barman once again raised questions over the suicide note, referring to statements allegedly made by the deceased DGP’s wife, who had arrived in Agartala and reportedly claimed to have a photograph of the note.

“Where is the suicide note? The wife of the DGP has a photograph of the suicide note. Why was the suicide note removed? Why was his uniform not checked properly? Who forced the DGP to commit suicide? We want the suicide note to be brought before the public,” Roy Barman said.

Speaker Rampada Jamatia intervened and asked the Congress MLA to stop, stating that the matter was under investigation and that Roy Barman was not adhering to the rules and procedures of the House.

“The matter is under investigation. You are not following the rules. The Chief Minister has already given two statements. Do not confuse the House and the public. You are not following Article 361 of the rules,” the Speaker said.

Shortly afterwards, when the Speaker announced that the House would proceed with the next listed business, Congress MLAs led by Roy Barman, along with CPI(M) legislators, entered the well of the House and began protesting.

Despite repeated appeals from the Speaker to return to their seats, the protesting MLAs refused to withdraw from the well. The Speaker subsequently ordered Roy Barman’s expulsion from the House under Article 330.

When Roy Barman did not leave the Assembly, the Speaker directed police personnel to take steps to remove him from the premises.

Roy Barman, however, eventually walked out of the House along with the CPI(M) MLAs. The Opposition legislators strongly criticised the Speaker’s decision and raised objections to the action taken against the Congress MLA.