Agartala, February 20, 2025: The Tripura’s ruling party ally Tipra Motha Party’s youth wing Youth Tipra Federation (YTF) has lodged a formal complaint against the Facebook page ‘News Anusandhan’ for allegedly making derogatory remarks against Tripura’s royal family head, Maharaja Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarman, also known as ‘Bubagra’. The complaint has been submitted to the Officer-in-Charge of Ambassa Police Station on Thursday alleging that the page used inflammatory language aimed at creating communal disharmony in the state.

In the complaint, YTF accused the Facebook page of using the term “Pradyot er Batpari,” a Bengali phrase that they claim was intended as a slur. “This kind of language directly spreads hatred against the Indigenous community of Tripura. Referring to Bubagra as ‘Batpar’ not only disrespects him personally but also insults the entire ST (Scheduled Tribe) community,” the complaint stated.

YTF has urged the authorities to take legal action under the SC & ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, the IT Act, and other relevant penal provisions. “We demand strict action against the owner, controller, handler, speaker, or reader of ‘News Anusandhan’ who are responsible for spreading such derogatory content,” said Djoy Hiem Halam, Block Secretary of YTF, 47-Ambassa Constituency.

The complaint also included a link to the alleged post and highlighted the responsibility of media platforms to uphold ethical standards. “Freedom of expression comes with certain restrictions in the Indian Constitution. No media or news channel has the right to insult any person or group based on their caste, community, or faith,” the complaint read.

A total of seven individuals including Padip Debbarma, Aimen Debbarma, Asha Malsom and others signed the complaint emphasizing the community’s collective concern.

YTF has called for an immediate ban on the ‘News Anusandhan’ Facebook page, warning that such content could incite tensions between communities. Authorities are yet to respond to the complaint.