A police officer in Assam’s Sonitpur district was suspended following allegations of lapses in the enquiry of a case of assault on journalists by miscreants, an officer said on Friday. Two journalists were beaten up and injured on June 29 in Dhekiajuli area when they were returning after covering a development over alleged illegal mining activities.
The officer in-charge (OC) of Raikhasmari police outpost, Charu Rajbongshi, who was initially closed to reserve on Wednesday, was suspended later, Sonitpur Additional Superintendent of Police Madhurima Das said. The two scribes, Bimaljyoti Nath and Bipul Phoyel of Guwahati-based satellite channel ND 24, sustained serious injuries. Protests against the incident were staged by various organisations, including Dhekiajuli Press Club and All Bodo Students Union, who demanded stringent action against the culprits.
Four people were arrested in the case, but three of them have already been released on bail. Allegation of lapses in the enquiry by Rajbongshi was raised as the main accused Dilip Nath is still absconding. The release of three other accused on bail also led to charges of inadequate investigation by Rajbonghsi, leading to him being closed to reserve and subsequently arrested, official sources said.
