AGARTALA, Aug 27 (TIWN): A controversy has erupted in Teliamura over allegations of irregularities in the recruitment of volunteers for the disaster management department. The allegations suggest that the recruitment process was marred by favoritism, with some volunteers being selected based on personal connections rather than merit.

The allegations claim that some underage volunteers were allowed to participate in the training program, violating government norms that require volunteers to be at least 18 years old. Senior volunteers, including Bibek Bhattacharjee and Suman Debnath, are accused of recommending their close acquaintances for training, bypassing the required age limit.

The controversy led to a strong reaction in the sub-division, and on August 26, underage participants were removed from the training program. The training program, which began on August 25, is scheduled to continue until August 31 at the Teliamura Sub-Divisional Magistrate's office.