September 21, 2017: Two IPFT supporters were arrested by Police today from Mandai area in connection with murder of TV Channel reporter Shantanu Bhowmik. Coming under huge pressure, Police today arrested TWO IPFT Supporters – Bikash Debbarma and Tarun Debbarma. Both the accused were sent to 14-day Police remand.
Notably, Shantanu Bhowmik – a channel reporter went to Mandai on September 20 after getting information about a clash between CPIM-IPFT supporters. Sources alleged, IPFT goons got hold of Shantanu during the clash and dragged him to nearby jungle. Criminals then chopped off and killed Shantanu. State ICA Minister Bhanu Lal Saha and BJP State president Biplab Deb rushed to the GB Hospital last night where his blood strained body was kept and conveyed condolences to bereaved family members.
Sensing huge dissent among the common people after killing of the young reporter and mindless violence at regular interval by IPFT cadres, Mandai Police with a strong TSR contingent raided several places and picked the duo for alleged involvement in reporter’s murder.
Meanwhile, Media – both at local level and national level condemned the brutal murder of the reporter and demanded strong and exemplary punishment against the criminals. Cutting across the political differences, all the Parties – CPIM, BJP and Congress – condemned the attack. Today, Shantanu’s mortal remains were taken to Agartala Press club where State Health Minister Badal Choudhury and media fraternity paid respect to departed soul. Later Shantanu’s body was taken to his native place at Jirania.
