Tripura CM directs police to take action against coercive puja donation for Durga Puja festivities

Agartala (Tripura) [India], October 12 : Chief Minister Manik Saha has directed the Tripura Police to take stringent actions against individuals involved in "forcefully collecting puja subscriptions" by stopping vehicles on state roads.
"I feel very bad when I see people collecting puja subscriptions by forcibly stopping vehicles on the road. This activity is completely illegal. It's disheartening to see people using the pretext of puja to collect money. What kind of culture is this? We witnessed such practices during the previous government," Chief Minister Saha said on Wednesday.
"I've informed the police that our government will not tolerate such actions and directed them to take strict measures. This has become a bad habit," he added.
The Chief Minister's remarks underscored the government's commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that cultural practices are respected without being marred by coercive and unlawful activities, a statement said.
The directive was announced during a programme attended by prominent government officials, including Chief Secretary J K Sinha, Secretary of Youth Affairs Dr P K Chakraborty, West District Magistrate Dr Vishal Kumar, and others.
The gathering discussed the importance of safeguarding cultural traditions while maintaining the rule of law, particularly in the lead-up to the much-anticipated Durga Puja festival.
As the state gears up for the festive season, these actions are seen as a crucial step in preserving the sanctity of puja celebrations and maintaining law and order. The Tripura Police will be vigilant in ensuring that puja subscription collection remains a voluntary and peaceful activity, free from coercion or illegal practices, the statement said.