Meghalaya filmmaker Dominic Sangma assaulted in Itanagar after intervening in student harassment

Meghalaya filmmaker and National Award winner Dominic Sangma was allegedly assaulted by two men near Rakap village along the Jollang-Rakap road in Itanagar on Wednesday evening after he intervened when they were allegedly harassing students of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII).

Sangma, who heads the Department of Screenwriting at FTII’s Jote campus, was returning from an evening walk at around 6:30 pm when the incident took place, according to police.

His wife, Karry Padu, alleged in a Facebook post that Sangma stepped in after witnessing two young men assaulting students. She said the men then attacked the filmmaker.

“My husband was attacked by some local boys around the Rakap village near FTII JOTE today by two young boys,” Padu wrote.

According to her, the two men were carrying bamboo sticks and allegedly appeared to be under the influence of alcohol. She also alleged that an FTII security guard and four students were assaulted and wrongfully restrained during the incident.

“I feel angry and ashamed at the same time,” Padu wrote, urging the police and the government to ensure that those responsible are punished.

An FIR has been registered at Balijan police station under Sections 115(2), 117(2), 126 and 351 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

The accused have been identified in the FIR as Techi Nanu and Techi Sanjay, both residents of Rakap village. Police said further investigation is underway.

Sangma, who hails from Meghalaya, is known for his work in Garo-language cinema. His film Rapture won the Best Garo Film award at the 66th National Film Awards.