Assam Photojournalist Reportedly Thrashed by Coal Smugglers in Tinsukia

Margherita, November 12, 2019:

A photojournalist was allegedly attacked by coal smugglers in Lekhapani area in Tinsukia district of Assam, when he halted at one of the coal mines upon seeing vehicles being loaded with coal.

According to reports, there were at least Bolero 20 vehicles loaded with coal, along the Lekhapani-Burma camp. The journalist was, reportedly, attacked by as many as 50 coal mafias who snatched away his mobile phone. He was also threatened to be killed if he informed the police, according to reports.

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Hundreds of vehicles loaded with smuggled coal ply along the Tipong-Ledo route through Gate No. 7, as per reports.

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It has also been alleged that forest officials are also involved in illegal coal mining activities that have been going on in the Lekhapani area. The journalist informed that one Pramod Dutta, a forest official, has even bought a vehicle of his own to carry out illegal coal mining in the area.

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It may be mentioned here that the coal syndicate has become a major concern in the Lekhapani area of Margherita in Tinsukia district. Congress members and Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuva Chhatra Parishad have been protesting against the same since the past few months. They have demanded an inquiry into the ongoing illegal coal mining activities. They have also urged the authorities to look into the cases that have been pending.

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