Assam: Woman alleges misconduct by police officer; protest at Kokila outpost in Bongaigaon

Protests were held at the Kokila Police Outpost in Bongaigaon district on March 4 after a woman alleged misconduct by the Officer-in-Charge when she visited the outpost to lodge a complaint of molestation.

According to the protesters, the woman was subjected to inappropriate behaviour inside the outpost. Local women staged a protest outside the police facility, alleging that instead of acting on the complaint, the officer favoured the accused party and misbehaved with the complainant.

The Officer-in-Charge, identified as Lal Bhavu Gowala, has also been accused of issuing threats, demanding money and intimidating the complainant after allegedly reaching an understanding with the accused. Protesters further alleged that he engaged in irregular practices and used abusive language within the outpost.

A portal journalist, Jeherul Islam, who had gone to report on the incident, claimed that he was threatened and forced to sign blank papers. Allegations have also surfaced that the Officer-in-Charge misbehaved with several other journalists present at the spot.
Journalists have since lodged a formal complaint seeking action against the officer.

As the protest intensified, locals reportedly confined the Officer-in-Charge inside the outpost for some time, demanding strict departmental action against him.