Agartala: April 10: The hearing of the case filed by Maharaja Pradyot Kishore Deb Barman against Saikat Talapatra took place on Thursday at the District Sessions Court. During the proceedings, Saikat Talapatra was presented before the court, and Maharaja Pradyot Kishore appeared to give his testimony.
Speaking to the media after the hearing, Maharaja Pradyot Kishore stated that the case was initiated in response to derogatory and offensive remarks made by Saikat Talapatra on social media. He alleged that Talapatra had shown hostility towards tribal communities through his posts, which were not only inflammatory but also deeply hurtful to the sentiments of the indigenous people of Tripura.
The Maharaja further claimed that Talapatra had personally attacked him by referring to him as “Chinese” in online posts, a remark that he said was not only racially insensitive but also an attempt to question his identity and undermine his position as a tribal leader. “This is not just about me; it’s about the dignity of our entire community,” Pradyot told the press.
He emphasized that such behavior, especially from individuals in influential positions, should not be tolerated and must be held accountable through legal means. Pradyot said his objective was not just to seek justice for himself but to set a precedent that discourages hate speech and racial slurs targeting marginalized communities.
The court has taken cognizance of the complaint, and further hearings are expected as the legal process continues. The case has drawn attention across the state, with many tribal organizations expressing their support for Pradyot’s stand against what they see as growing online hostility and racial insensitivity.
