Guwahati: Serious allegations of abuse of power have surfaced against Assam Police Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central Guwahati), Sambhavi Mishra, after she allegedly threatened, humiliated and illegally detained two journalists for asking questions during an official press briefing.
The incident reportedly took place at the Pragjyotishpur Police Station in Chandrapur on the outskirts of Guwahati on Sunday.
According to the journalists, DCP Mishra allegedly behaved aggressively with senior journalists Samsul Rahman of Amar Asom and Bibhash Das of Niyomiya Barta after they sought information about Abhimanyu Das. Das, who was recently arrested in connection with an alleged arms smuggling case, is also an accused in the suicide case of BJP leader Indrani Tohbildar, who died on August 11, 2023.
The journalists alleged that instead of responding to their questions, the DCP termed the queries “irrelevant” and reacted in an intimidating manner.
Journalists Allege Detention and Intimidation
According to the two journalists, immediately after the press conference, the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Satgaon Police Station asked them to accompany him to the office of the Pragjyotishpur Police Station OC.
The reporters alleged that when they requested permission to sit, DCP Mishra refused and instructed them to remain standing.
They further claimed that the DCP questioned their professional credentials, including their qualifications and years of experience, confiscated their mobile phones for a period, and spoke to them in a threatening and insulting manner.
According to the journalists, the officer allegedly told them, “Do you know who I am? I am an IPS officer. Do you know my rank? How dare you question me? I can ruin your career.”
The journalists alleged that they were treated like accused persons despite being on official duty.
Journalists’ Organisations Condemn Incident
The alleged incident has triggered strong reactions from media organisations across Assam.
Organisations including the Guwahati Press Club, Dispur Press Club, East Guwahati Press Club, Pragjyotishpur Press Club and the Assam Union of Working Journalists (Asom Bartajibi Sangha) have condemned the alleged conduct and held meetings to discuss the issue.
The organisations have demanded that DCP Mishra publicly apologise to the journalist community and have called for a fair and impartial inquiry into the alleged incident.
They have also sought appropriate disciplinary action if the allegations are found to be true and have urged the government to put in place measures to ensure the safety and dignity of journalists performing their professional duties.
The organisations have announced that memorandums will be submitted to the Chief Minister, the Director General of Police (DGP), and the Guwahati Police Commissioner seeking intervention. The Guwahati Press Club has also announced a protest meeting on July 11 and appealed to journalists and media professionals across the state to participate.
Officials from Assam Police had not responded to the allegations at the time of filing this report. Their response will be incorporated as and when it is received.