Agartala, 16th April 2026 : The safety of journalists in Tripura has once again come under sharp focus after Boxanagar Press Club president Prabhat Ghosh was brutally assaulted for the second time in a month. The incident has sparked widespread outrage among media professionals and press organizations across the state.
It is reported that, Ghosh was returning home after covering the annual Baishakhi fair at Kamalnagar market yesterday when a group of miscreants launched a premeditated attack near Anandnagar Chowmuhani. His motorcycle was smashed, and he was struck on the head with sticks, leaving him severely injured. Passersby rushed him to Kamalnagar Primary Health Centre, but due to his deteriorating condition, doctors referred him to Agartala’s GB Hospital, where he is currently undergoing treatment.
This assault follows closely on the heels of another attack last month in North Kalamchoura, where journalist Manik Das was injured in public by assailants. Police later arrested Das’s attacker under pressure from journalist associations, but the recurrence of violence has heightened concerns about systemic failures in ensuring press safety.
The latest incident has drawn strong condemnation from across the media fraternity. Agartala Press Club president Pranab Sarkar denounced the attack and urged senior officials to take immediate action against the perpetrators. This afternoon, representatives from five press clubs Boxanagar, Sonamura, Jampuijala, Bishalgarh, and the district press club submitted a deputation to Sepahijala Superintendent of Police Bijoy Debbarma. They demanded the arrest of the accused within 24 hours, warning of democratic protests if authorities fail to act.
The Superintendent assured journalists that a thorough investigation would be conducted and legal action taken promptly against those responsible.
Despite government initiatives in recent years—such as increasing the number of accredited journalists, providing stipends, and distributing protective jackets—journalists argue that concrete measures to safeguard their lives remain inadequate. Successive governments have promised “zero tolerance” against crime and mafia activities, yet attacks on journalists continue to surface across the state, leaving the press community vulnerable and disillusioned.
