Police officer suspended for ‘lapses’ in journalists assault case in Assam
Tezpur (Assam) (PTI): 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.
The son of the main accused is currently in judicial custody, the sources added.
The additional SP said the car used by Nath has been recovered from near Rowta in neighbouring Udalguri district on Wednesday morning, while 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.
Nath claims to be associated with a news portal and is known for filing applications under RTI in various government departments.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Karnataka Health Dept bars leave for staff amid ASHA workers’ strike starting Aug 12
Bengaluru, Aug 11 (PTI): In response to a planned three-day strike by ASHA workers starting August 12, the Karnataka Health Department on Monday issued a notice prohibiting all officers and staff from taking leave during the protest period, except in cases of medical emergencies.
Accredited Social Health Activists workers are demanding the fixed honorarium of Rs 10,000 promised by the state government in January. They have announced a continuous state-level protest from August 12 to 14.
The notice stated, “Information about ASHA workers absent from duty within district limits will be collected daily from primary health centres, compiled at the district level, and submitted to the commissionerate by 3 pm during the protest.”
The Health Department also urged community health officers, primary health protection officers, health inspectors, and Anganwadi workers to cooperate in ensuring that health services to the public remain uninterrupted.
