AHRC asks govt to probe the assault on woman scribe

Assam Human Rights Commission today issued notice to state Chief Secretary for instituting a probe into the reported incident of a woman journalist being assaulted by policemen here on January 31.
AHRC chairperson Justice Dr Aftab H Saikia and member Tarun Phookan registered a case, taking suo moto cognizance of the news reports published in local newspapers about alleged police atrocities on the woman journalist of Guwahati-based TV Channel Dy365 and its video journalist.
The AHRC directed the Chief Secretary to have the incident probed by an officer not below the rank of a Commissioner and Secretary and submit a report within 30 days.

The Commission mentioned the news report that the woman journalist had gone to Latasil police station premises here on January 31 after taking permission from the officer on duty to take footage of the alleged pathetic condition of barracks and renting of police quarters to civilians.
Officer-in-Charge Chidananda Bora, and sub-inspector Samsuddin Ahmed assaulted her and damaged their video camera, the AHRC said quoting media reports.
Ahmed also reportedly filed a counter-FIR charging the two journalists with trespassing in the police premises, the Commission noted.
The AHRC further quoted media reports that the two police officers were removed from duty following protests by various organisations, especially the media, and political parties.