The media of the state went up in arms on Wednesday as a photojournalist Nitai Deb was physically assaulted and then arrested for his alleged ‘misbehavior’ with a police officer.
The Police Inspector , in charge of College Tilla out post was suspended by the DGP V S Yadav under the instruction of the Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha as soon as the matter came to his knowledge and the journalists gave a deputation before the DGP.
As the fuel crisis hit the state and there were long serpentine queues in front of petrol and diesen outlets in the city Nitai Deb , a photojournalist went to purchase petrol for his bike last night in Radhanagar area. As he was on hurry for some works he requested the petrol outlet workers to give him the petrol. However, some people at the queue protested. It was at that time Police Inspector Arindam Roy came to the spot and started assaulted him brutally. Roy alleged that Nitai called him ‘dada’ instead of ‘Sir’. After mercilessly assaulting and abusing the photo journalist he was taken to the police station and was arrested. Inside police station he was once again subjected blatant and brazen inhuman treatments and abuses.
In the meantime, police also sought to slam drunk driving on Nitai. Incidentally Nitai happened to a known teetotaler who never consumed alcoholic beverage. He was whole night put up in the lock up and was not allowed to contact anyone or let others know about his arrest. Some of his colleagues, however, came to know and rushed to the police station but they were also abused .
As the news spread in the morning serious reactions was triggered among the journalists of the print, electronic media. They all trooped in front of the Police Headquarters and later a team of senior journalists led by veteran editor Subal Kumar Dey and Agartala Press Club Secretary Pranab Sarkar sat on a dharna. Soon the DGP met them and heard about the allegations against the police officer.
In the meantime Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha was also informed about the incident and he sought a preliminary report. Later after being properly briefed he instructed the DGP to take appropriate action against the erring officer. The DGP then ordered Roy’s suspension.
When produced before the court several lawyers appeared for Nitai.
