Agartala, April 7: In a shocking incident last Sunday, the house of senior journalist Fakhar Uddin, associated with the Pratibadi Kalam newspaper, was set ablaze in a suspected arson attack. Fortunately, Fakhar Uddin and his family narrowly escaped harm as the fire engulfed their home.

On Wednesday afternoon, a delegation comprising Agartala Press Club President and Headlines Tripura News Channel Editor Pranab Sarkar, Pratibandi Kalam newspaper Editor Anal Roy Chowdhury, and several other media owners and journalists visited the site to assess the damage and show solidarity with their colleague. Journalists from across the district accompanied them during the visit.

While inspecting the charred remains of the house, Pranab Sarkar alleged that the attack was a direct result of news reports published by Fakhar Uddin. He claimed to have presented evidence of the incident to the local Officer-in-Charge (OC) and issued a 24-hour ultimatum for the arrest of those responsible. Sarkar warned that failure to take action would result in escalated protests by the journalist community.

The apparent inaction of the local police and the severity of the attack have raised serious concerns regarding press freedom and journalist safety in the region. The case has sparked outrage among media professionals, who are now demanding immediate justice.