Assam government to institute an inquiry into Sipajhar eviction violence

• Image Credit: Internet

• Sep 24, 2021 | Deleted

Guwahati: In view of the firing incident that occurred between the civilians and police on Thursday evening during a protest against the eviction drive in Dholpur village under Sipajhar revenue circle, the Home and Political departments of the state government have decided to institute an inquiry into the matter. The inquiry will be conduct under the chairmanship of a retired judge of Gauhati High Court.

The official notification read, “The Government in the Home & Political Departments decided to institute an inquiry into the circumstances leading to the death of 02 (two) civilians and injury of several others including police personnel in the firing incident that took place at Dhalpur area in Sipajhar Revenue Circle, under darrang District on 23/092021. The government also decided that this inquiry would be conducted under the chairmanship of a retired judge of Gauhati High Court,”

An official report stated that two civilians identified as Saddam Hussain and Sheikh Farid died during the protest while several people including police personnel were injured.

Reportedly, one policeman Maniruddin Ahmed sustained several injuries and was referred to GMCH from Mangaldai Civil Hospital in critical condition.

Moreover, two policemen namely Amiya Gogoi and Manash Pratim Baruah were also attacked by the mob.

Meanwhile, Director General of Police, Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta in his Twitter handle wrote, “Currently in Sipajhar, taking stock of the ground situation. The cameraman who was seen attacking an injured man in a viral video has been arrested. As per the wish of Hon. CM @himantabiswa I have asked CID to investigate the matter. Cameraman Bijoy Bonia is in @AssamCid’s custody.”

Reportedly, in a viral video of the Dholpur village eviction, a photographer identified as Bijoy Baniya was seen attacking a debilitated protestor who later succumbed to his injuries.

Soon after, the Assam police arrested the accused and send him under CID custody for further interrogation.