AGARTALA, Sept 21 - Two IPFT supporters � Bikash Debbarma and Shyamal Debbarma were arrested by police from West Tripura district�s Mandai area on Thursday for their alleged involvement in the brutal killing of journalist Santanu Bhowmik.
Both Bikash and Shyamal were sent to police remand for two weeks after being produced before the Chief Judicial Magistrate today. As part of precautionary measures, Assam Rifles jawans were deployed in Mandai and Khumuwng area, according to official sources.
A strong contingent of police and TSR personnel carried out massive search operation at Mandai from Thursday morning and apprehended eleven suspected attackers from various tribal hamlets in the area.
Two of the apprehended youths, Bikash and Shyamal were arrested in connection with the killing of Santanu, a media person of a local cable TV channel. Both Bikash and Shyamal are active members of IPFT. They were produced before the CJM seeking 14-day police remand for interrogation.
The judge granted the police plea. Reports said some more youths who are involved in yesterday�s carnage at Mandai are on the run. In spite of all efforts, mobile phone, identify card and other articles of the slain journalist could not be traced yet.
Meanwhile, normal life came to a standstill in the entire Jirania subdivision following an eight-hour bandh called by the ruling CPI (M). The bandh was total and no untoward incident was reported during the bandh amid tight security. The bandh was called in protest against the brutal murder of Santanu Bhowmik.
