Journalist Assaulted Inside Chawmanu Police Station by Accused in Minor Rape Attempt Case

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, July 4, 2025

In a disturbing incident that unfolded this evening, a journalist named Rajib Sarkar was allegedly assaulted inside Chawmanu Police Station by one of two accused arrested for attempting to rape a minor girl in Dhalai district's Birendra Para village under Chawmanu police station. The incident took place in full view of police personnel, sparking outrage among journalists and raising serious concerns about safety within police premises.

As per reports, two youths, Bikash Debbarma (son of Gobinda Debbarma) and Somen Debbarma (son of Padma Debbarma) were arrested today based on a written complaint lodged by the family of a minor girl. The girl was reportedly alone at her home when the two accused allegedly tried to sexually assault her. She managed to escape and narrated the incident to her family members, who then approached Chawmanu Police Station.

Acting swiftly, police apprehended the two accused and brought them to the station for questioning.

Journalist Rajib Sarkar, who visited the Chawmanu police station in the evening to gather information and video footage for reporting purposes, was allegedly attacked by one of the accused. According to Rajib, the accused forcibly snatched his mobile phone, smashed it, and attempted to assault him physically, all of which occurred in the presence of the police.

The Journalists' Association of Tripura (JAT) has strongly condemned the attack and demanded exemplary punishment against both accused, not only for the attempted rape but also for attacking a journalist performing his professional duties. The association also questioned how such a serious assault could occur inside a police station under the watch of on-duty officers.

The incident led to temporary tension inside Chawmanu Police Station, and questions have emerged regarding the effectiveness of the police in ensuring safety and law enforcement within their own premises.

Police officials have confirmed that they are taking the assault on the journalist seriously and will initiate additional legal action against the accused under relevant sections of the law.

This incident has once again brought to the forefront the vulnerability of journalists, even in supposedly secure locations, and the urgent need for stronger protective mechanisms for members of the press working in sensitive areas.

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