BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 19th September 2024: Tripura Journalists Union submitted a memorandum to the Governor on Thursday seeking his intervention in the delayed trial processes concerning the murders of journalists Sudip Dutta Bhowmik and Santanu Bhowmik, which took place in 2017.
The memorandum highlighted the union’s frustration over the lack of justice for the slain journalists. “Two journalists were brutally murdered in 2017, yet the culprits remain unpunished,” the memorandum stated. It further alleged that those involved in the murder of Sudip Dutta Bhowmik have been granted bail, while the investigation into Shantanu Bhowmik’s murder has not even commenced.
Expressing their dissatisfaction, the union pointed out that despite the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) taking over the case, there has been no substantial progress. “We are deeply disappointed with the pace of the investigation,” said Pranab Sarkar, President of the Tripura Journalists Union.
The union’s delegation, which included Advisor Sajjad Ali, General Secretary Alak Ghosh, Assistant Secretary Abhishek Dey, and members Samaresh Dey and Jakir Hossain, met with the Governor. Gender Councilor secretary Shesadri Dasgupta was also present. The Governor assured the delegation that he would take the necessary steps to address their concerns.
Following the meeting, the delegation announced their intention to escalate the matter if required. “If necessary, we will meet the Union Home Minister again to press for justice,” said Alak Ghosh. The resistance party has also indicated plans for a larger movement to demand immediate and exemplary punishment for those involved in the murders.
It is noteworthy that after the killings, a delegation of journalists had met with the then President and Union Home Minister, leading to the CBI taking over the investigation. However, the lack of progress has been a point of contention.
In a related development, the death anniversary of journalist Santanu Bhowmik will be observed tomorrow. A memorial service is scheduled to be held in front of Rabindra Bhavan at 5 PM, where lamps will be lit in his memory.
