Margherita Red Cross refutes “baseless and malicious” encroachment allegations; FIR filed against three individuals

The Indian Red Cross Society Margherita Sub-District Branch on November 21 strongly denied allegations of illegal encroachment and demolition of a shop, calling the claims “completely baseless, malicious and defamatory.”

In a press conference held at the Multi-Purpose Industrial Bhawan in Jayanagar, Margherita, General Secretary Pabitra Borgohain refuted a news report circulated by three individuals—Jharna Dey of Segunbari, a journalist, and a web portal owner of Tinsukia—which alleged that the Red Cross branch had encroached upon land donated to the organisation and demolished a shop belonging to Dey.

Borgohain clarified that the land in question—one katha under Dag No. 245 and Patta No. 341—was voluntarily donated by well-known social workers Keshavananda Goswami and Brahmananda Goswami exclusively for the construction of the Red Cross office. He alleged that Jharna Dey had “forcefully occupied” the donated plot and was now “circulating false and fabricated claims” to obstruct the construction of the society’s office.

Terming the published report “motivated and one-sided,” the Red Cross branch confirmed that an FIR has been lodged at Margherita Police Station against Dey, Dutta and Sharif for spreading misinformation and criminal defamation. Borgohain added that civil defamation proceedings will also be initiated soon.

“The Indian Red Cross Society works tirelessly for the welfare of the most vulnerable sections of society. Such malicious propaganda will not deter us from our mission,” he said, urging the media and the public to verify information before sharing unverified claims.

The controversy has sparked discussion across Margherita, with many residents expressing support for the Red Cross and condemning attempts to malign a respected humanitarian organisation.