Assam Officer Suspended for Negligence in Journalist Assault Case

Tezpur (Assam), July 4 (PTI): A police officer from Sonitpur district, Assam, has been suspended following accusations of negligence in investigating a case involving the assault of journalists by miscreants, an official stated on Friday.

Two journalists, returning from covering a development related to alleged illegal mining activities, were attacked and injured on June 29 in the Dhekiajuli area.

The officer-in-charge (OC) of Raikhasmari police outpost, Charu Rajbongshi, after being initially closed to reserve on Wednesday, faced suspension later on, confirmed Sonitpur Additional Superintendent of Police, Madhurima Das.

The journalists, Bimaljyoti Nath and Bipul Phoyel, who work for the Guwahati-based satellite channel ND 24, suffered serious injuries.

Various organizations, including the Dhekiajuli Press Club and the All Bodo Students Union, protested the attack, demanding strict action against the perpetrators.

While four individuals were arrested in connection to the case, three have already been released on bail. Allegations against Rajbongshi emerged due to the primary suspect, Dilip Nath, remaining at large.

The swift release of the three accused on bail further led to accusations of inadequate investigation by Rajbongshi, culminating in his suspension and subsequent arrest, according to official sources.

The son of the primary suspect, however, is presently in judicial custody, the sources disclosed.

The Additional SP revealed that the vehicle used by Nath was recovered near Rowta in the neighboring Udalguri district on Wednesday morning, although the search for Nath continues.

“The investigation is ongoing, and we will provide further updates in due course,” added Das.

Nath, associated with a news portal and known for filing RTI applications in various government departments, continues to be elusive.

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