Agartala, October 22, 2025: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of a brutal attack on a journalist in Hezamara under West Tripura district, issuing a notice to the state’s Director General of Police and demanding a detailed report within two weeks.

The incident took place on September 21, 2025, during a clothes distribution programme organized by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as part of ‘Seva Parv’ celebrations marking Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday and the upcoming Durga Puja festivities.

According to reports, the journalist Kamal Kanti Tripura was assaulted by a group of miscreants wielding sticks and sharp weapons while covering the event. His motorcycle was also stolen during the attack. BJP workers present at the scene alleged that the attackers stormed the venue, disrupted the programme, and injured multiple attendees.

Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha along with All India Secretary of Indian Journalists Union (IJU) Pranab Sarkar also met with the journalist at GBP hospital in Agartala city on September 24. Former Chief Minister and BJP MP Biplab Kumar Deb visited the injured journalist at GBP Hospital and condemned the violence. He assured that an FIR would be filed and arrests made, adding that he had discussed the matter with Tipra Motha supremo Pradyot Kishore Debbarma.

The NHRC’s action comes amid rising concerns over press safety, as the Commission also took cognizance of similar attacks on journalists in Kerala and Manipur on August 30. In Manipur, a journalist was shot twice with an air gun while covering a flower festival in Laii Village, Senapati district. In Kerala, another journalist was assaulted near Mangattukavala, Thoudupuzha, while returning from a wedding.

All three victims were hospitalized and police cases have been registered in each state. The NHRC’s intervention highlights the urgent need for safeguarding media personnel, especially in politically sensitive regions like Tripura.