Cop under fire for ‘assaulting’ journalist over helmet poser

Guwahati: Acting on the directions of special DGP (law and order) GP Singh, the Chirang district superintendent of police on Tuesday issued a showcause notice to the Assam policeman who had allegedly assaulted a local journalist who had asked the cop why he was not wearing a helmet while riding a two-wheeler.
The accused policeman, Pradip Saha of Basugaon police station, has been asked to reply to the showcause as to why departmental proceedings will not be initiated against him, within three days.
Chirang SP Pranjit Bora told TOI, “We have already initiated the investigation against the erring policeman, who had flouted traffic rules and assaulted a local journalist, Jayanta Debnath who had questioned him about not wearing a helmet.”
He added, “Saha and other cop, Loknath Barman, were on the motorcycle. However, Barman is not involved in assaulting Debnath. Therefore, action has been initiated against Saha.”
Debnath said, “The police personnel on a motorcycle were not wearing helmets. My only fault was that I questioned them saying what message it would convey to the general public. They abused me and assaulted me. Police have been given a free hand in Assam and they are misusing it.”
The special DGP has already directed the SP to conclude the probe within 15 days and punish the erring policeman.
Meanwhile, Singh has directed all Assam police personnel to strictly follow road safety norms while on duty.
It is pertinent to mention that Assam police intensified their drive against drink driving and riding/driving without wearing a helmet/seat belt in a bid to prevent fatal road accidents since December last year.