Senior journalists meet Tripura DGP after protest outside Shanit Debroy’s residence. AOJ accuses MLA Ramprasad Pal of threats, road blockade, and intimidation. Media bodies demand legal action, citing Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and press freedom concerns in Agartala.
A delegation of senior journalists on Saturday met the Director General of Police (DGP) of Tripura, expressing grave concern over a road blockade and protest allegedly led by a local MLA in front of the residence of veteran journalist Shanit Debroy.
The incident has triggered widespread condemnation from the media fraternity, with the Assembly of Journalists (AOJ) terming the development as “unprecedented” and a “dangerous signal for democracy.”
AOJ Alleges Intimidation and Road Blockade
In a press statement, the AOJ alleged that Ramprasad Pal, the MLA of Surjyamaninagar Assembly constituency, along with his supporters, staged a protest and blocked a public road in front of Debroy’s residence in the Bardowali Milan Sangha area of Agartala on Saturday morning.
The organization claimed that the MLA used “unconstitutional language” and “indirectly threatened Debroy with dire consequences,” shocking journalists across the state. Quoting Pal, the AOJ alleged he stated: “No force can save Shanit Debroy from Ramprasad Pal’s hands. No matter how powerful he is or how close he may be to any leader, justice will be delivered — it is only a matter of time.”
The AOJ described the remarks as alarming and contrary to democratic principles and the provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Journalists Seek Police Intervention
A delegation led by Agartala Press Club President Pranab Sarkar met the Director General of Police at the Police Headquarters, urging immediate intervention and strict legal action against those involved.
According to the journalists’ statement, the DGP assured the delegation that the safety and security of media professionals would be ensured and that appropriate legal steps would be taken following due process.
The AOJ emphasized that targeting journalists through “muscle power or political influence” undermines democratic values and weakens institutional accountability. It warned that any attempt to intimidate members of the press would be strongly resisted by the media community.
FIR Filed, Copies Sent to Constitutional Authorities
Shanit Debroy, editor of the local newspaper Ajker Fariad, has lodged a formal complaint at West Agartala Police Station. He has also forwarded copies of the First Information Report (FIR) to the Governor of Tripura and the Director General of Police, seeking immediate legal recourse against the MLA.
Editors, journalists, and media workers from across the state have expressed solidarity with Debroy, demanding swift action to safeguard press freedom and uphold the rule of law.
Police Assure Protection, Address Social Media Concerns
In a separate press release, Tripura Police confirmed that a delegation of media persons met the DGP to raise concerns not only about the recent protest but also about the alleged misuse of social media and other public platforms in violation of legal provisions.
The police statement read: “Tripura Police is committed to uphold the rule of law and assure full protection to all sections of society.” The DGP reiterated that necessary steps would be taken to address the issues raised by the journalists’ bodies.
Broader Implications for Press Freedom
The episode has reignited debate about press freedom and political accountability in the state. Media organizations have termed the alleged road blockade and threats as an attempt to silence critical voices.
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Observers note that such confrontations between elected representatives and journalists can erode public trust in democratic institutions. Legal experts have pointed out that if proven, acts of intimidation and public threats may attract penal provisions under existing criminal laws.
As the matter unfolds, the focus now shifts to the police investigation and whether it will lead to concrete action. For the media fraternity in Tripura, the incident has become a test case for the protection of journalistic independence and the enforcement of the rule of law.
