Assam: Police apologise after journalist allegedly assaulted during coverage of Congress-BJP clash in Nagaon

A journalist was allegedly assaulted by police and security personnel while covering a clash between Congress and BJP workers in Assam’s Nagaon district, prompting protests by local journalists and a road blockade.

The journalist, associated with a local satellite channel and based in Rupohihat, had gone to the spot to report on the clash when police and CRPF personnel allegedly assaulted him. The incident reportedly occurred while security personnel were deployed to control the situation following the confrontation between workers of the two political parties.

Journalists from Samaguri and Rupohihat subsequently staged a protest and blocked the road, demanding action over the alleged assault and seeking justice for the journalist.

The protest followed allegations that police and the administration failed to effectively control the clash between Congress and BJP workers and subsequently used force against journalists who were covering the incident.

The CRPF personnel allegedly resorted to a lathi-charge when journalists gathered to protest the alleged assault, further escalating tensions at the spot.

Following the incident, the Kaliabor Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) apologised to the journalist.

The incident has triggered concern among journalists in the Samaguri-Rupohihat area, with local media workers demanding accountability for the alleged assault and protection for journalists covering politically sensitive incidents.