The Tripura State Rifles (TSR) officer, who allegedly ordered opening of fire at a journalist in Agartala, killing him, was arrested on Wednesday. Chief Minister Manik Sarkar asked the director general of police to take the strongest possible action against anyone found responsible for the incident.
Sudip Dutta Bhowmick (50) was called to the TSR office on Tuesday by Tapan Debabarma, the officer in charge of Second Battalion of the TSR. The journalist, who worked for a local TV channel, was abused for writing about corruption in the force.
There was a heated argument between the journalist and the officer, which escalated. After this, Debabarma suddenly called a subordinate jawan, N Reang, and asked him to shoot at Dutta Bhowmick. He collapsed on the floor, bleeding profusely. He was brought dead to a private hospital. Dutta Bhowmick’s brother is a renowned journalist in Tripura and editor of one of the best-selling Bengali newspapers in Tripura.
According to Tripura Police, Debabarma was picked up from his house in Agartala. An officer of Agartala East Police said, “It was established that he ordered N Reang, his subordinate, to fire at the reporter.”
“I am stunned (at) hearing the news. It’s so much painful that one cannot comprehend,” Sarkar said in a message.
Sarkar said the accused had been arrested and his arms seized. The commandant in whose office the entire incident took place has been transferred and an inquiry had been ordered about his role as well. He was also arrested after an initial inquiry pointed to his role in the gruesome act.
Meanwhile, Tripura Governor Tathagata Roy expressed strong objection to the incident and sent a detailed report to Home Minister Rajnath Singh.
The governor said, “The incident was so pathetic. I will ensure the bereaved family gets justice.”
Meanwhile, the BJP in Tripura grabbed the opportunity to come down heavily on Chief Minister Sarkar.
“This is the second journalist who was killed in the last six months. We are afraid that the state kills journalists. In the case of Shantanu Bhowmick also, there was no justice faced by the perpetrators. Manik Sarkar should resign immediately,” said Sudip Roy Barman, a BJP leader.
The BJP decided to launch a major movement against the state Left Front government.
A 12-hour bandh was called in Agartala, which was largely successful.
