Agartala, August 14, 2025: Bhupal Chakraborty, a journalist, was assaulted while covering news at Tripura’s main referral hospital, GBP Hospital. The incident took place inside the hospital premises at the medicine shop run by the Rogi Kalyan Samiti.
The shop, set up on government land, was originally opened to provide patients with medicines at prices lower than the market rate. On Thursday, a customer alleged that they were mistreated by the staff while purchasing medicine. Witnessing the incident, journalist Bhupal Chakraborty approached to cover the matter.
At that moment, a man inside the counter allegedly snatched the journalist’s mobile phone. When asked for his name, the man refused to identify himself. Eyewitness customers present at the scene confirmed the incident and spoke about the mistreatment faced by the journalist. Later, Bhupal Chakraborty lodged a complaint at the NCC police station in Agartala. Police investigations revealed the accused to be one Tapas Paul.
Following the incident, GBP Hospital Deputy Medical Superintendent Dr. Kanak Choudhury, Agartala Press Club President Pranab Sarkar, and GB Outpost police personnel visited the spot. Dr. Choudhury told reporters that the matter was being taken seriously and that the police would take legal action.
The attack has sparked outrage in the journalist community. The incident of assault and phone snatching while covering news in a sensitive location like a hospital has raised fresh concerns over the safety of journalists.
