Agartala: A group of journalists was brutally attacked by a gang of miscreants late Monday night on the streets of Agartala. The attackers fled the scene after the assault, leaving the journalists with injuries.
The attack drew widespread condemnation from media bodies. A joint delegation of media organizations met with senior police officials, where the Additional Director General of Police assured them that steps would be taken to ensure the safety of journalists across the state.
According to reports, six journalists were en route to the Chandrapur Inter State Bus Terminus around 1 am when a four-wheeler blocked their path. A group of individuals emerged from the vehicle and attacked the journalists.
“We were attacked by a group of armed miscreants while on duty around 1:00 to 1:15 AM on our way from Motor Stand to Math Chowmuhani. We recognized some of the attackers—Sukanta Debnath (alias Nishan), Akash Banik, and Sourav Bhattacharya—but others remain unidentified,” read the First Information Report (FIR) jointly filed by journalists Prasenjit Bhattacharjee, Bijoy Singha Roy, Pranab Shil, and Mihir Sarkar.
The attackers were traveling in a vehicle with registration number TR01B 40753. Although the journalists narrowly escaped, they sustained serious injuries and reported that the attackers issued death threats.
“The miscreants also stole cash and gold ornaments from us. They severely damaged two mobile phones and a camera during the attack,” the FIR, filed at East Agartala Police Station, stated.
General Secretary of the Assembly of Journalists (AOJ) and senior editor Shanit Debroy condemned the attack. “Prasenjit Bhattacharjee, Pranab Shil, and Mihir Lal Sarkar are prominent figures in the state’s media industry. They were on their way to verify information when a group of hooligans assaulted them. This is unacceptable.”
Tripura Journalist Union President Pranab Sarkar also expressed outrage. “The media in Tripura has faced repeated attacks. Two journalists have been killed, and a newspaper office was set on fire. If strict action is not taken, we will be forced to launch a statewide protest.”
The driver of the car involved in the attack has been detained, and the vehicle seized. Media organizations are calling for swift justice and stronger protections for journalists.
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