Guwahati: In a significant development, a police officer in Assam’s Sonitpur district has been suspended following allegations of investigative lapses into the recent assault on two journalists. The incident, which occurred on June 29, saw two scribes severely beaten in the Dhekiajuli area while returning from covering a story on alleged illegal mining activities.
Charu Rajbongshi, the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of the Raikhasmari police outpost, was initially closed to reserve duty on Wednesday before being suspended later the same day, confirmed Sonitpur Additional Superintendent of Police Madhurima Das. The two journalists, Bimaljyoti Nath and Bipul Phoyel, who work for the Guwahati-based satellite channel ND 24, sustained serious injuries in the attack.
The decision to suspend Rajbongshi came amidst widespread protests from various organisations, including the Dhekiajuli Press Club and the All Bodo Students Union. These groups vehemently demanded stringent action against the perpetrators. Although four individuals were arrested in connection with the case, three of them have since been released on bail, fueling public discontent.
Allegations of a shoddy enquiry by Rajbongshi were specifically highlighted due to the fact that the main accused, Dilip Nath, remains absconding. The bail granted to the three other accused further intensified the accusations of an inadequate investigation on Rajbongshi’s part, ultimately leading to his closure to reserve and subsequent suspension, as per official sources. The son of the main accused is currently in judicial custody.
Additional SP Das stated that the car used by Nath was recovered on Wednesday morning from near Rowta in the neighbouring Udalguri district, and the search for the main accused is still on. “Investigation in the matter is going on and we will share further details in due course,” Das added. Notably, Dilip Nath claims an association with a news portal and is known for filing numerous RTI applications in various government departments.
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