Tripura Lokayukta and former judicial officer B K Kilikdar has resigned from his post, nearly two years after taking charge of the state’s anti-corruption institution.

Kilikdar submitted his resignation to Governor Indrasena Reddy Nallu three days ago, citing health-related reasons, according to sources. The Governor is understood to have accepted the resignation and directed the state government to initiate the process of appointing a successor.

Kilikdar became the fourth Lokayukta of Tripura after assuming office on August 16, 2024.

The state’s Lokayukta institution was first established in December 2012 under the then Left Front government, ahead of the enactment of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, which provided for anti-corruption ombudsmen at the state level.

His resignation comes amid reports of differences between the Lokayukta’s office and the state government over certain proceedings involving government officials. Sources claimed that some of his recent actions had caused concern within the administration.

One such matter reportedly involved a senior bureaucrat and related to decisions taken around 15 years ago, when the officer was serving as Director of Education. The matter had reportedly been sent to the Education Department for its response. However, the Lokayukta subsequently sought the officer’s personal appearance, which allegedly intensified the issue.

The matter was reportedly brought to the attention of both the Chief Minister and the Governor, amid growing differences over the proceedings.

Sources further claimed that the state government has also expressed dissatisfaction with the functioning of the heads of some other statutory commissions in recent months.

However, the official reason cited for Kilikdar’s resignation remains health-related. The government is now expected to begin the process of selecting and appointing the next Lokayukta.