Poonam Nath

Action Taken: Assam Police Officer Suspended After Journalist Attack Fallout

Digital Desk: In a significant move, a police officer in Assam's Sonitpur district was suspended for allegedly failing to investigate the assault on journalists by unidentified miscreants. On June 29, two individuals, Bimaljyoti Nath and Bipul Phoyel, journalists of Guwahati-based satellite station ND 24, were attacked and critically injured in the Dhekiajuli area. As per reports, they were returning from covering a story involving alleged illegal mining activity.

Charu Rajbongshi, the officer in charge (OC) of the Raikhasmari police outpost, was first placed on reserve on Wednesday but was later suspended, as stated by Madhurima Das, Sonitpur Additional Superintendent of Police.

Various organizations, including the Dhekiajuli Press Club and the All Bodo Students Union, conducted protests over the tragedy, calling for harsh punishment for the perpetrators.

Four individuals were detained in the case, but three have already been released on bail. Rajbongshi claimed that there were lapses in the investigation because the primary culprit, Dilip Nath, is still on the loose. The release of three other accused on bail led to charges of poor investigation by Rajbonghsi, resulting in him being closed to reserve and subsequently arrested.

The additional SP stated that the car used by Nath was found near Rowta in the neighboring Udalguri district on Wednesday morning, while the search for the main culprit continues. "Investigation in the matter is going on, and we will share further details in due course," Das added.

For now, the suspension sends a message—but whether it leads to real change or not in such cases remains uncertain.