Three media persons, including journalist Shibananda Shil, suffered serious injuries in an alleged attack in Agartala Shyamali Bazar October 7Â night while returning home, prompting Agartala Press Club president Pranab Sarkar to demand immediate arrests, a thorough police investigation and stronger security for journalists.
Key Takeaways:
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Three media persons, including Shibananda Shil, sustained serious injuries in an alleged vehicle-assisted attack in Shyamali Bazar.
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Agartala Press Club president Pranab Sarkar alleged that police had not arrested anyone or seized the vehicle involved.
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The Press Club demanded an immediate arrest, a thorough investigation and stronger night-time security for journalists.
Three media persons sustained serious injuries in an alleged attack in the Shyamali Bazar area while returning home at night on October 7. Journalist Shibananda Shil is in critical condition, while another injured journalist, Chandan, suffered head injuries. Agartala Press Club president Pranab Sarkar has urged the police to identify and arrest those responsible, trace the vehicle allegedly used in the attack and strengthen night-time security.
Three Journalists Injured in Alleged Attack
According to Sarkar, the incident occurred when Shibananda Shil, Chandan and Ajay were returning home. He alleged that the attackers assaulted the three media persons and struck them with a vehicle in the Shyamali Bazar area.
Sarkar further claimed that the same vehicle followed them towards GBP Hospital and hit them again.
The attack left all three media persons seriously injured. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of journalists, particularly those who travel at night after work.
Sarkar visited the injured media persons and spoke about their medical condition and the need for immediate police action.
Shil Requires Major Surgery
Sarkar said the injured journalists required major medical treatment. Shil would need a major operation, including the insertion of a rod in his leg, he said.
Chandan sustained injuries to his head. Sarkar described the condition of all three injured media persons as serious and expressed concern over the severity of the attack.
The Press Club president called for swift action to identify the attackers and ensure accountability.
Press Club Questions Police Investigation
Sarkar said he had met the police and discussed the incident. According to him, the police had recorded statements but had not arrested anyone at the time of his remarks.
He also alleged that the police had not seized the vehicle reportedly involved in the attack.
Sarkar pointed out that CCTV cameras covered areas where investigators could look for evidence. He urged the police to examine the footage, identify the people involved and trace the vehicle.
He expressed frustration over the lack of arrests despite the availability of potential evidence.
Sarkar also questioned the police response because, according to him, the incident occurred near a police outpost. He referred to another location near the trauma centre while criticising what he described as the lack of effective investigation.
Night-Time Security for Journalists a Concern
The incident has renewed concerns about the safety of media persons who travel at night.
Sarkar said the Press Club was considering measures to improve journalists’ security. However, he also called on the police to strengthen night patrols and act firmly against suspected criminals.
He stressed the need to prevent attacks and other alleged criminal activities, including snatching, against people travelling at night.
The Press Club president urged the authorities to ensure that journalists could perform their professional duties without fear of violence.
Agartala Press Club Demands Immediate Arrests
The Press Club has demanded a fair and thorough investigation, immediate arrests and stronger security arrangements for journalists.
Sarkar said the organisation would consider its next course of action in view of the incident and the alleged lack of progress in the investigation.
The demand for police action centres on three issues: identifying those responsible, locating the vehicle allegedly used in the attack and preventing similar incidents in the future.
The police had recorded statements, according to Sarkar, but he said the absence of arrests and the failure to seize the vehicle remained major concerns.
The Press Club has called for urgent action to establish the circumstances of the attack and hold those responsible accountable.
