Clash Between Two Journalists: Press Club Row Deepens as CMs Statement on Udaipur Incident Sparks Allegations of Neutrality

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, February 11, 2026

The controversy surrounding the clash between two senior journalists at the Udaipur Court complex has taken a new political turn after Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha’s public statement in support of one of the involved parties triggered widespread concern and debate within media circles.

While both the Agartala Press Club and the Udaipur Press Club have condemned the incident, each defending their respective member, the Chief Minister’s intervention in favor of Pratibadi Kalam editor Anal Roy Chowdhury has raised uncomfortable questions about impartiality and political neutrality.

Dual Condemnations from Press Bodies

Following Tuesday’s confrontation at the Udaipur court premises, both press organizations issued strong statements.

The Agartala Press Club condemned what it called an attack on Roy Chowdhury and demanded strict action against those allegedly responsible, including senior journalist Jasim Uddin of Udaipur.

On the other hand, the Udaipur Press Club released a counter-statement accusing Roy Chowdhury of initiating the clash, physically assaulting Uddin, and damaging his motorcycle. They demanded legal action against Roy Chowdhury and termed the incident shameful and damaging to journalistic dignity.

With both sides filing FIRs and leveling serious allegations, the matter was already sensitive and under police investigation.

Chief Minister’s Statement Creates Controversy

Amid this heated backdrop, Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha issued a statement in Bengali that read:

"উদয়পুরে প্রতিবাদী কলম পত্রিকার সম্পাদক শ্রী অনল রায় চৌধুরীর সঙ্গে যে সকল ব্যক্তিবর্গ অবাঞ্ছিত আচরণ করেছে, সে বিষয়ে আমি অবগত হয়েছি। ইতিমধ্যেই পুলিশ প্রশাসনকে ঘটনার সুষ্ঠু তদন্ত করে দোষীদের বিরুদ্ধে আইনানুগ ব্যবস্থা গ্রহণের নির্দেশ দেওয়া হয়েছে।"

(Translation: “I have been informed about the undesirable behavior committed by certain individuals against Shri Anal Roy Chowdhury, editor of Pratibadi Kalam, in Udaipur. The police administration has already been instructed to conduct a proper investigation and take legal action against the guilty.”)

Though the statement calls for an investigation, it clearly frames Roy Chowdhury as the victim, without acknowledging the counter-allegations or the FIR filed against him.

The Chief Minister’s public stand has now become the center of a fresh debate: why did the head of the state government appear to take sides in a dispute that is still under investigation?

Senior journalists and media observers have expressed concern that such a one-sided statement from the highest political office could influence the course of an impartial police inquiry.

Members of the Udaipur Press Club have privately questioned how the Chief Minister could endorse one version of events when both parties have filed criminal complaints against each other.

“Police investigations are still ongoing. When two journalists accuse each other, the matter should be examined objectively. A Chief Minister taking a stand for one side creates unnecessary pressure,” a senior media professional remarked.

The episode has placed the Tripura media fraternity in an awkward position. Instead of focusing on the professional misconduct and ethical issues raised by the clash, the controversy has now shifted toward political interference.

Many Senior journalists and Editors feel that the Chief Minister should have limited his response to calling for a fair and neutral investigation rather than appearing to support one individual.

“The issue is between two journalists and two press clubs. Political leaders should allow the law to take its own course instead of giving statements that can be interpreted as biased,” another senior editor commented.

Police investigations based on the FIRs filed at West Agartala Police Station and Radhakishorepur Police Station are currently underway. Witnesses are being examined, and evidence from the Udaipur court complex is being reviewed.

However, the Chief Minister’s intervention has added a new dimension to the controversy, with growing demands from sections of the media that the investigation must remain free from political influence.

The incident, which began as a clash between two journalists, has now evolved into a larger debate on press freedom, political neutrality, and the relationship between the government and the media.

Observers warn that if political leaders are seen taking sides in internal disputes of the press, it could set a dangerous precedent and further erode trust in independent investigations.

As the row continues to escalate, the Tripura media community waits anxiously to see whether the probe remains impartial—or becomes another casualty of political controversy.

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