Senior Photojournalist Assaulted at Agartala Petrol Pump, Journalists Bodies Demand Immediate Arrest

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, May 16, 2026

A shocking incident of violence against a journalist took place at the Radhanagar petrol pump in Agartala on Friday morning, where senior photojournalist Bijoy Debnath was allegedly assaulted by an auto-rickshaw driver following an altercation over violation of a fuel queue. The injured journalist is currently undergoing treatment at the GBP Hospital.

The incident has triggered widespread condemnation from major journalists organisations in Tripura, including the Assembly of Journalists (AOJ) and the Agartala Press Club, both of which demanded immediate arrest and exemplary punishment for the accused.

According to reports, a long queue of motorcycles and vehicles had formed at the Radhanagar petrol pump for refuelling on Friday morning. Amid the rush, an auto-rickshaw bearing registration number TR 01 J 3774 allegedly attempted to break the queue and move ahead unlawfully.

When a biker standing in the queue protested against the act, the auto driver reportedly misbehaved with him. At that moment, photojournalist Bijoy Debnath, who was present at the petrol pump, also raised his voice against the unethical behaviour.

Eyewitnesses alleged that the auto driver suddenly became aggressive and attacked Bijoy Debnath with a helmet, striking him on the head and face. The journalist collapsed on the ground in a bleeding condition. Sensing tension at the spot, the accused reportedly fled from the scene immediately after the assault.

Local people and others present at the petrol pump rushed the injured journalist to GBP Hospital for treatment. Later, a formal complaint was lodged at the East Agartala Police Station against the accused auto driver. However, till the filing of the report, no arrest had been reported.

Strongly condemning the attack, Shanit Debroy, General Secretary of the Assembly of Journalists (AOJ), expressed deep concern over the safety of working journalists in the state. He stated that attacking a journalist for protesting against wrongdoing is a serious threat to democratic values and freedom of expression.

“The duty of a journalist is to protest against unethical activities. Bijoy Debnath became a victim while performing that moral responsibility,” the AOJ stated in its reaction.

The organisation demanded immediate arrest of the accused and exemplary punishment to ensure such incidents are not repeated. Members of the organisation also called upon the administration to strengthen security measures for journalists working across Tripura.

Meanwhile, the Agartala Press Club also issued a separate statement condemning the barbaric and violent attack on its member Bijoy Debnath.

According to the Press Club statement, when Bijoy Debnath questioned the use of abusive and obscene language by the auto driver, the accused suddenly attacked him physically and left him injured and bleeding.

Press Club Secretary Ramakanta De urged the police administration to take swift legal action, arrest the accused immediately, and ensure strict punishment under the law.

The incident has once again raised concerns over the growing instances of aggression and attacks against media professionals while performing their duties in public spaces.

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