Accused Journalist Saikat Talapatra Alleges ‘Political Trial’, Sparks Controversy with Remarks Against Police, Judiciary and BJP Leaders in Tripura
By Our Correspondent
Agartala, April 19, 2026
In a highly controversial development in Tripura, accused journalist Saikat Talapatra, who has been in judicial custody for nearly two and a half years, spoke to the media on Saturday, raising serious allegations against the judicial process and political leadership of the state.
Talapatra, who was arrested for allegedly publishing objectionable and defamatory content against the Chief Minister on social media, claimed that he is not receiving a fair trial. According to him, the proceedings against him resemble a political trial rather than a judicial one. He further alleged that despite being incarcerated for over two years, his bail plea has repeatedly been denied, while individuals accused in serious crimes such as rape and drug trafficking have reportedly secured bail.
The situation took a more contentious turn when Talapatra, while still in police custody, made fresh derogatory remarks against the judiciary, law enforcement agencies, and prominent political figures, including Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha and BJP leader Papiya Dutta. In front of media cameras and in the presence of police personnel, he reportedly made provocative allegations, further intensifying the controversy surrounding the case.
In what is being described as a rare and unprecedented incident in Tripura’s judicial history, the accused openly expressed a lack of confidence in the presiding judge during a court hearing. Such instances are considered extremely unusual in the state’s legal proceedings.
The matter was heard in the court of District and Sessions Judge Gobinda Das at the Special Court in Belonia. During the hearing of a case registered under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, Talapatra expressed his desire to present his own arguments before the court.
In his submission, he informed the court that he has already approached the Tripura High Court through his private counsel in Agartala, seeking quashing of the FIR. While he stated that he has faith in the Indian judicial system as a whole, he expressed distrust specifically in the current court and requested that the case be transferred elsewhere.
Taking note of the submission, the court observed that since the matter is already under consideration of the High Court, further proceedings at this stage cannot continue. Referring to a 2011 government notification, the court clarified that Grade-I officers of the Tripura Judicial Service are designated as Special Judges under the SC/ST Act, and therefore the case is legally triable in both Belonia and Sabroom.
However, considering that the complainant and most witnesses are residents of Sabroom in South Tripura, Judge Gobinda Das ordered the transfer of the case to the Special Court in Sabroom in the interest of justice and convenience of trial.
The court also directed that Talapatra be remanded to judicial custody until May 30.
The case has triggered widespread debate in Tripura, touching upon issues of freedom of expression, judicial fairness, and political accountability. While Talapatra’s allegations have drawn attention, his repeated controversial statements against constitutional institutions and political leaders have also raised serious concerns.
Legal experts suggest that the final outcome will depend on the proceedings in the High Court, where the validity of the FIR and the nature of charges are currently under judicial scrutiny.
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