Editor of Pratibadi Kalam newspaper was allegedly heckled and threatened at Udaipur Court. Chief Minister Manik Saha ordered a police probe as media bodies condemned the incident, calling it an attack on press freedom and journalist safety.
In a serious incident raising concerns over press freedom and journalist safety, Anal Roy Chowdhury, Editor of the local newspaper Pratibadi Kalam, was allegedly heckled, threatened, and harassed by a group of miscreants inside the Udaipur Court premises on Tuesday. The incident has sparked widespread condemnation from media organisations across Tripura and drawn a strong response from Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha, who has ordered a police investigation.
According to available details, the editor was subjected to intimidation while present at the court complex in connection with a legal matter. Following the incident, Roy Chowdhury lodged a formal First Information Report (FIR), alleging threats to his life and obstruction by a group of individuals.
Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha acknowledged the incident through a social media statement, describing it as a matter of serious concern. He directed the police to conduct a thorough inquiry and initiate legal action against those responsible.
“I have been made aware that the Editor of Pratibadi Kalam newspaper was heckled by a group of people at Udaipur. I have directed the police to conduct an inquiry and take action against the perpetrators,” the Chief Minister stated.
The incident has triggered sharp reactions from prominent media bodies, including the Agartala Press Club, Tripura Electronic Media Association, and Khumulwng Press Club, all of which condemned the alleged attack and described it as an assault on democratic values and press freedom.
According to the complaint filed at the West Agartala Police Station, Roy Chowdhury alleged that one Jasim Uddin, along with several associates, threatened to kill him and his lawyer at around 12.50 pm inside the court premises. The FIR further claims that the accused demanded Rs 20 lakh and attempted to prevent the editor and his legal counsel from leaving the court by blocking their vehicle with motorcycles parked both in front of and behind it.
In his statement to the police, Roy Chowdhury also alleged that the incident occurred in the presence of on-duty police personnel, including a sub-inspector identified as Prabir Chand. This claim has intensified calls for an independent inquiry into the conduct and role of the police officers present at the scene.
The situation reportedly escalated until members of the local bar association intervened. Lawyers staged a protest inside the court premises after learning about the alleged threats and harassment, following which the accused individuals fled the spot.
Subsequently, Roy Chowdhury and his lawyer returned to Agartala and formally documented the incident with the police, seeking protection and strict action against those involved.
The Agartala Press Club, in a strongly worded statement, expressed deep concern over the incident and demanded the immediate arrest of the accused. The organisation also called for accountability and an inquiry into why the alleged intimidation occurred despite police presence within the court complex.
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Media bodies across the state have warned that such incidents create a climate of fear among journalists and undermine the constitutional right to freedom of expression. They urged the authorities to ensure the safety of media professionals, particularly within judicial premises, which are expected to remain secure and neutral spaces.
The police are yet to issue a detailed statement on the progress of the investigation. However, the case has already ignited a wider debate on journalist security, law enforcement responsibility, and the need for stricter safeguards to protect the press from intimidation and violence.
