Media bodies condemn Tripura scribe’s murder

SHILLONG: The Press Club and the Meghalaya Editors’ and Publishers’ Association (MEPA) here have condemned the murder of a senior journalist in Tripura and demanded action against those involved in the crime.
In a statement, MEPA expressed shock and grief over the death of Sudipta Datta Bhaumik.
Bhaumik, who was a senior journalist of a Bengali daily, Syandan Patrika, and local television channel Vanguard in Tripura, was allegedly shot by the PSO of a Commandant of Tripura State Rifles (TSR).
“MEPA vehemently condemns this criminal act on the part of the TSR personnel and it demands the law enforcing authorities of Tripura to give exemplary punishment according to the law of the land in order to deter others, including those law enforcers, to stop crimes against media persons which occurred there at regular intervals,” the association stated.
MEPA, while condoling the death of Bhaumik, demanded that the Tripura government immediately extend ex gratia payment to the bereaved family.
Earlier, Shantanu Bhaumik, a journalist with Din-Raat, a local TV news channel, was killed by a mob on the outskirts of Agartala while he had gone to cover an incident of clash between CPM and IPFT supporters.
In another statement, the Shillong Press Club has expressed its grief and angst over the incident.
Club president David Laitphlang said in a matter of two months, the fraternity in Tripura lost two journalists “who had endeavoured to discharge their professional duties selflessly so much so that it cost them their lives”.
The club also demanded thorough investigation and justice to the family. “The Shillong Press Club prays for heavenly solace to Sudip Datta Bhowmik and fervently wishes that peace and better sense prevail in this nation which is founded on these very principles,” the statement said.