Sikkim Police clarifies action on Samson Tamang case: "Media should have been responsible"

Sikkim Police has provided a detailed clarification regarding the arrest and investigation of Samson Tamang, whose controversial remarks about the Khas community have created turmoil in the state.
 

Addressing the media, IPS Tenzing Loden Lepcha outlined the timeline of the case and addressed concerns regarding police procedures.
 

According to Lepcha, the video featuring Tamang surfaced on social media on February 2. Following this, members of the Khas community lodged an FIR on February 3. The police immediately began their investigation and issued a notice to the accused, asking him to appear before them by February 7. However, Tamang failed to present himself, prompting the police to issue a non-bailable warrant and launch a search operation. After 14 days of tracking, he was finally arrested in Bihar on February 20.
 

Lepcha emphasized that the police had to follow proper legal procedures as the case involved interstate jurisdiction. "Since he was arrested in Bihar, it became an interstate matter. After completing all required legal formalities, we brought him to Sikkim," he said.
 

Tamang is currently in police custody for five days, during which the investigation will proceed. "Now, he will be interrogated, and facts will come out. The investigation has to be conducted systematically, and only fact-based information will be admissible in court," Lepcha stated.
 

On the issue of why police did not register an FIR against Citizen Action Party chief Ganesh Rai for alleged defamation, Lepcha clarified that defamation is a non-cognizable offense. "Police cannot take direct action in such cases. The complaint is first recorded in the General Diary (GD), an investigation is conducted, and only then an FIR is registered if required," he explained.
 

Regarding media coverage of the case, Lepcha addressed concerns over "trial by media." He stated that the police had not issued any press release before Tamang's arrest, so information in the public domain could be unreliable. "The Supreme Court has also stressed that the media should act responsibly. Sensationalizing news can lead to misinformation," he added.
 

On the controversy surrounding Tamang speaking to the media at Rangpo Police Station, Lepcha explained that the situation arose when the accused was taken for a restroom break. "It was a 16-hour-long drive from Bihar to Sikkim. As we reached Rangpo, he was allowed to use the toilet, and that is when the media intervened. Instead of questioning the accused, the media should have spoken to the police officials present there," he said.