Journalist Shantanu Bhowmick Killed in Tripura by IPFT, Left Govt. Assures Strict Action

Shantanu Bhowmick, who worked with Dinrat news channel, was murdered when he was on an assignment to cover agitation and road blockade by the Indigenous People's Front of Tripura (IPFT), a group close to BJP.

According to reports, Bhowmick was abducted from the scene of the agitation and was later found with grave injuries. Bhowmick, however, was declared brought dead after he was rushed to Agartala Medical College and Hospital.

As per Reports, so far four people associated with IPFT have been arrested by Tripura police.

Mandai turned tense following the incident and additional police personnel were rushed to the area and section 144, which prohibits assembly of more than four people, was also imposed to douse the situation in the area. The situation, however, continues to be grim.

Tripura is currently ruled by CPI (M). In his condolence message, CM Sarkar offered homage to the slain journalist and conveyed deep sympathies to the family of the victim. Sarkar also directed the Police Chief to investigate the murder on priority.

The Polit Bureau of the CPI (M) while condemning the murder of Bhowmick held IPTF responsible for the killing. “There is a clear pattern in this employed by the RSS-BJP particularly in the states were elections are due of silencing progressive journalists and the dissemination of truth to the people,” an official statement read.

CPI (M)’s Sitaram Yechury also charged the BJP for the incident and tweeted, “This ghastly act is about BJP-RSS’ approach to journalists and silencing voices. How desperate it is in Tripura to resort to such tactics. RSS-BJP’s time-tested recipe of preparing for elections is through murder and violence. Tripura will not succumb to their intimidation.”

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