Guwahati, January 6, 2024:In a shocking turn of events, senior journalist Deepankar Medhi of NB News, Assam, has alleged physical assault by Nagaon District Commissioner Narendra Kumar Shah during a meeting at the DC’s office on January 5. The incident has sparked outrage among the media fraternity in Assam, leading to calls for a thorough investigation and judicial inquiry into the matter.
According to Medhi, he had gone to meet DC Shah for work-related purposes when he was allegedly assaulted and subsequently escorted out of the premises by security personnel. The Nagaon Press Club expressed its strong condemnation of the incident, staging a 2-hour sit-in to demand justice for Medhi and submitting a memorandum to the Governor of Assam seeking a proper investigation and a judicial inquiry against DC Shah.
Adding to the controversy, reports have emerged suggesting the seizure of Medhi’s camera during the incident, with accusations of intentional data erasure before its return. This has raised concerns about potential tampering with evidence related to the alleged assault.
Following the altercation, Medhi was reportedly detained for several hours at the local police station before being released. DC Narendra Kumar Shah, while vehemently denying any assault, referred to the incident as ‘unfortunate’ and stated, “Nothing of that sort has happened. It is an unfortunate incident, but I would not like to further comment. There was no assault.” Shah claimed that Medhi had recorded their conversation without consent, triggering his reaction.
The conflicting narratives have intensified the demand for a comprehensive investigation into the incident. The media fraternity in Assam has expressed indignation, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability. Journalists and media organizations are urging authorities to conduct a fair and impartial inquiry to ascertain the facts surrounding the alleged assault.
The Governor of Assam is now under increasing pressure to intervene and ensure that justice is served in this troubling incident. As the controversy unfolds, the media community in Assam awaits a resolution and expects that the truth will be uncovered through a thorough and impartial investigation.
