Journalists submit memorandum to Governor seeking probe against two MLAs

A delegation of journalists on Wednesday submitted a memorandum to Tripura Governor Indrasena Reddy Nallu, demanding a high-level investigation against two ruling alliance MLAs — Ramprasad Paul and Ranjit Debbarma — over alleged unconstitutional and anti-social activities.

The journalists met the Governor at Lok Bhavan in Agartala on Wednesday evening and handed over a memorandum with a written complaint detailing various allegations against the two legislators. A six-member delegation — comprising Sanit Debroy, Sebak Bhattacharjee, Pranab Sarkar, Dr. Biswendu Bhattacharjee, Dibakar Debnath and Abhijit Ghosh, represented a total of 21 journalists during the discussion.

During the deputation, the journalists apprised the Governor over the recent incidents involving the two MLAs.

According to the memorandum, on February 14, MLA Ramprasad Paul organized an unlawful protest outside the residence of Sanit Debroy, editor of the leading daily Ajker Fariad and ‘News Now’ channel. During the demonstration, a photograph of Debroy was marked with a red cross and threats to his life were issued. The MLA was also accused of spreading false information to malign the editor’s reputation, creating an atmosphere of fear within the media fraternity across the state.

Although a case was lodged against Ramprasad Paul at the AD Nagar police station, the memorandum claims that no arrests have been made so far, raising concerns over police inaction and its impact on democratic values in the state.

The delegation also raised allegations against Ranjit Debbarma, MLA of  ruling alliance Tipra Motha and a former insurgent leader. It was stated that after a leading television channel, Headlines Tripura, highlighted certain controversial aspects of his past, Debbarma allegedly subjected the channel’s editor, Pranab Sarkar, to abusive language and defamatory remarks on social media. He was further accused of issuing threats and making objectionable comments.

The memorandum also alleged that Debbarma has been making provocative and communally sensitive statements on social media and spreading intimidation among journalists. Editor Pranab Sarkar reportedly filed six separate complaints against the Tipra-Motha MLA, but none have been formally registered by the police.

Governor listened passionately to the delegation and assured them that appropriate steps would be taken regarding the matter.