Journalists meet DGP over threats to senior editor by deputy Speaker, seek immediate action

A delegation of editors and senior journalists on Saturday evening met Director General of Police (DGP) Anurag Dhankar at the police headquarters in Agartala, expressing serious concern over alleged open threats issued against senior journalist and editor of Ajker Fariad newspaper, Sanit Deb Roy.

Earlier in the day, a large section of editors and journalists assembled at the Agartala Press Club before proceeding to the DGP’s office. The deputation followed a disturbing incident that occurred on Saturday morning on NH-8, in front of the residence of eminent journalist Sanit Deb Roy at the Bardowali Milan Sangha area.

According to media bodies, the incident was led by Surjyamani Nagar MLA and Legislative Assembly Deputy Speaker Ramprasad Paul, who, along with his supporters, allegedly blocked the road and staged a demonstration. Standing on a public road, the MLA and his followers reportedly used abusive language and issued indirect threats to the life of Sanit Deb Roy, an act that has deeply shocked the media fraternity.

Journalist organizations alleged that such conduct was unconstitutional and amounted to a clear violation of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. They further stated that during the incident, a group of individuals displayed the editor’s photograph marked with a red cross and issued open threats in front of his residence—an act described as unprecedented in the state.

The Assembly of Journalists (AoJ), along with the Agartala Press Club and other media organizations, strongly condemned the incident and demanded immediate legal action against the accused MLA, along with adequate security for Sanit Deb Roy and his family.

After the deputation, speaking to media persons, Agartala Press Club President and senior editor of Headlines Tripura, Pranab Sarkar, said the delegation approached the DGP following a series of disturbing incidents involving journalists. He alleged that Ramprasad Paul had also issued open threats to media persons during the gathering, though police are examining formal complaints and available video footage.

The delegation also informed the DGP about alleged threatening statements made by Ranjit Debbarma of Tipra Motha, stating that previously circulated video messages containing provocative remarks had created fear among journalists in the state.

Journalists urged the DGP to ensure security for media persons and to take lawful action against those issuing open threats, emphasizing that such incidents pose a serious threat to press freedom in Tripura.

Responding to the concerns, DGP Dhankar assured the delegation that adequate security had been provided in and around the residence of the senior editor. He also stated that police would take appropriate legal steps after a thorough investigation to prevent any further intimidation.

Meanwhile, the AoJ, in a press statement, alleged that MLA Ramprasad Paul was heard publicly declaring: “No power will be able to save Sanit Deb Roy from me. No matter how influential he may be or how close he is to those in power, he will face justice—it is now only a matter of time.”

The AoJ further alleged that the MLA, accused of various anti-social activities including land grabbing and mafia-style operations, has spread an atmosphere of terror in parts of Agartala city over the past few years. Saturday’s incident, they said, was a direct demonstration of that menace and posed a grave threat to democratic values.

The journalists’ body issued a clear warning that any continued intimidation of the media through political power or muscle power would not be tolerated by the media fraternity of the state.

Sanit Deb Roy has filed a case at the West Agartala Police Station, detailing the entire incident. Copies of the FIR have also been sent to the Governor and the Director General of Police, demanding strict legal action against the MLA.

Editors, journalists, and media workers across Tripura have expressed solidarity with Sanit Deb Roy, reaffirming that the entire media fraternity stands firmly by his side.

During the deputation, senior journalists including Pranab Sarkar, editor of Vanguard news channel Sevak Bhattacharjee, Biswendu Bhattacharya, Subrata Ghosh, Manish Acharjee, Abhijit Ghosh, Ranjit Debbarma, and Prasanjit Bhattacharjee, among others, were present.