Newspapers Seized and Burnt in Broad Daylight in Agartala, Editor Lodges Police Complaint

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, September 1, 2026

Tension has reportedly surfaced in the capital over an alleged incident in which bundles of newspapers were forcibly taken away from newspaper hawkers and set on fire in public. The incident has triggered strong reactions among sections of the media fraternity, particularly over allegations that the attackers targeted selected newspapers critical of the ruling establishment.

According to the allegations, a group of youths intercepted newspaper hawkers in the Suparibagan area of Agartala during the morning hours yesterday and allegedly assaulted some of them before taking away bundles of selected newspapers. Among the publications allegedly seized was Daily Desher Katha. The attackers are further accused of setting fire to the seized newspaper bundles in full public view.

The incident has assumed greater significance following a complaint lodged at West Agartala Police Station by Daily Desher Katha editor Samir Pal. In his complaint, Pal reportedly stated that copies of the newspaper were forcibly taken away from several hawkers and subsequently burnt. He has sought the identification of those responsible and demanded strict legal action against them.

Reports from the area suggest that Desher Katha was not the only publication allegedly targeted. Newspapers which have, on occasions, carried criticism of or taken positions against the ruling establishment were also reportedly either seized from hawkers or set ablaze. The allegations have raised concerns about the freedom of the press and the safety of newspaper distributors working on the streets.

The reported incident has drawn sharp criticism from sections of the media community, with journalists and newspaper circles expressing shock over the alleged forcible seizure and destruction of newspapers. Questions have also been raised over the absence of immediate and visible police intervention despite the incident allegedly taking place openly in a busy area of the capital.

The controversy comes amid growing political tensions in Tripura ahead of the 2026 electoral cycle. Critics have alleged that attempts are being made to revive an atmosphere reminiscent of the political violence witnessed in earlier years, particularly around 2018 to 2023.

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