On September 9, 2024, a group of journalists traveling to Chandrapur Interstate Bus Terminus in Math Chowmuhani, Tripura, were violently attacked. The incident occurred around 1:00 AM when journalists Prasenjit Bhattacharjee, Bijoy Singha Roy, Pranab Shil, Mihir Sarkar, and two others were blocked by a group of assailants using a vehicle and several motorcycles.

The attackers primarily targeted Bhattacharjee, and when another journalist intervened, they too were assaulted. During the attack, cash and gold ornaments were stolen, and their mobile phones and cameras were damaged. A distress call to the police led to their rescue, and the East District Police registered a First Information Report (FIR), subsequently arresting three individuals: Sukanta Debnath, Akash Banik, and Sourav Bhattacharya.

The incident has garnered significant media attention, with reports detailing the attack and its implications for press freedom in the region. Given the seriousness of the situation, an urgent appeal has been made for the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to take suo moto cognizance under Section 12(a) of the Protection of Human Rights (Amendment) Act, 2019, and initiate an independent inquiry through its investigation wing.