Agartala: A photojournalist was brutally assaulted by a group of miscreants while he was returning home from his work in the early hours of Monday. The attack, which took place at the Amtali area in West Tripura district, has sparked outrage among local journalists and press bodies with calls for stringent action against the perpetrators.
It was learned that the victim identified as Sujit Acharjee, employed at Times 24, was returning home after covering the Anukul Thakur festival. As he was walking through Amtali, a group of assailants attacked him with iron rods, hitting him on the head and other parts of his body. Acharjee sustained severe injuries and was rushed to the GB Pant Hospital here in Agartala, where he is currently undergoing treatment.
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Following the attack, the Amtali Police Station officials arrested six individuals involved in the assault. The arrested suspects have been identified as Subhrajit Debnath from Ramnagar 11, Ripon Das from Joynagar, Ajay Deb from Chandpur area in Khayerpur, Monti Malakar from Hapania area, Shanta Roy from Bhattapukur Durga Palli area, and Bapan Das from Balichar near Bhattapukur Durga Palli area.
While speaking with the media persons, the second officer of Amtali Police Station Mrinal Pal said, “Six accused will be produced in court on Tuesday with a plea for a five-day police remand.”
“If more names come up during interrogation, they will also be arrested,” he added.
In response to the incident, a group of journalists staged a sit-in protest in front of the Amtali Police Station, demanding justice for their colleague. The Tripura Photo Journalists Association later submitted a deputation to the police, emphasizing that this attack was not just on Acharjee but on the entire journalistic community. They expressed grave concern over the rising number of such assaults on journalists and called for a thorough investigation into the matter.
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Meanwhile, the Agartala Press Club also condemned the attack highlighting the growing trend of violence against journalists in the state. In a statement, the club expressed its shock and concern, urging the police to ensure exemplary punishment for those responsible. The club emphasized that the safety of journalists must be prioritized to protect the freedom of the press.
The Tripura Working Journalists Association has also raised alarms over the increasing number of attacks on media personnel, stressing the need for immediate steps to ensure their safety. They too have demanded strict action against the attackers involved in the assault on Acharjee.
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