By Agartala Correspondent | Tripura 24.in AGARTALA | April 20, 2026
AGARTALA: Tensions reached a breaking point at the Bhagat Singh Yuva Abas today as a visit by BJP State President Rajib Bhattacharjee took an ugly turn. The facility, which is currently housing hundreds of BJP workers who allegedly fled their homes in the hills due to fear of Tipra Motha intimidation, became a scene of chaos when a section of the displaced workers turned their anger toward the media.
The incident has sparked widespread condemnation from the journalistic fraternity in Tripura, highlighting the volatile atmosphere following the recent TTAADC polls.
The Visit: Seeking Solace, Finding Rage
State BJP President Rajib Bhattacharjee arrived at the youth hostel this afternoon to meet with party Karyakartas who have taken shelter there, claiming post-poll displacement. While the visit was intended to provide moral support and coordinate relief, the atmosphere was already charged with frustration and anxiety among the sheltered workers.
Chronology of the Chaos:
- Arrival: As Rajib Bhattacharjee began interacting with the workers, some individuals started voicing loud complaints regarding their safety and the party’s perceived “inability” to protect them in the hills.
- Flashpoint: When journalists attempted to record these grievances and interview the displaced workers, a group of agitated men suddenly turned aggressive.
- The Attack: Slogans were raised against the media, and within minutes, several individuals physically lunged at the camera persons and reporters.
Journalists Targeted and Equipment Damaged
Witnesses report that the attackers accused the media of “biased reporting” and “disturbing their peace.” In the ensuing scuffle:
- Media Professionals Assaulted: Several reporters from local digital and electronic channels were pushed and verbally abused.
- Gear Vandalized: At least two news cameras were reportedly damaged, and a mobile phone used for live-streaming was snatched and thrown.
- Security Breach: Despite the presence of security personnel accompanying the BJP President, it took several minutes to bring the situation under control and escort the media persons to safety.
Political Reaction and Media Outrage
Rajib Bhattacharjee later expressed regret over the incident, stating that the workers were under extreme emotional stress due to the “terror” they faced in their home constituencies. However, he emphasized that violence against the “fourth pillar of democracy” is not the solution.
Meanwhile, the Agartala Press Club and various journalist unions have issued a stern statement:
”Attacking journalists who are simply performing their duty is a cowardly act. Whether it is stress or political frustration, targeting the media is unacceptable. We demand the immediate identification and arrest of those who laid hands on our colleagues at Bhagat Singh Yuva Abas.”
Tense Atmosphere Persists
The incident at the hostel reflects the deepening communal and political divide in the state following the tribal council elections. As more families continue to arrive at the Bhagat Singh Yuva Abas from remote areas, the administration faces a double challenge: providing humanitarian aid to the displaced while ensuring that such volatile outbursts do not escalate into further law-and-order crises.
The police have registered a Suo Motu case regarding the attack on the media, and additional security forces have been deployed at the hostel to prevent further altercation
