The Assam Police is facing widespread condemnation for unspeakable violence against civilians during an anti-encroachment eviction drive in the Dholpur area of the Darrang district of the state.
In the video, the cops in anti-riot gear could be seen mercilessly thrashing a man even after he became motionless following a brutal attack by the members of the Assam Police. What has caused outrage is the involvement of a ‘journalist’ in the violence. A man carrying a camera was seen jumping on the face of the motionless man.
Sharing the video, AIUDF MLA Ashraful Hussain tweeted, “‘Terror Force’ of fascist, communal & bigoted Govt. shooting at its own citizens. Also, who is the person with camera? Someone from our ‘Great Media’ orgs? The appeal of these villagers, against eviction, is pending in the High Court. Couldn’t the Govt wait till court order?”
‘Terror Force’ of fascist, communal & bigoted Govt. shooting at its own citizens. Also, who is the person with camera? Someone from our ‘Great Media’ orgs?
The appeal of these villagers, against eviction, is pending in the High Court. Couldn’t the Govt wait till court order? pic.twitter.com/XI5N0FSjJd
— Ashraful Hussain (@AshrafulMLA) September 23, 2021
Lawyer Anas Tanwir called the Assam Police’s action ‘extra judicial killing’ as he wrote, “Please take note. This is extra judicial killing. This is excessive use of force.”
According to NDTV, Darrang’s Superintendent of Police Sushanta Biswa Sarma denied any knowledge of the brutality committed by his force against a civilian. “The area is big. I was on another side. I will find out and assess the situation,” Sarma was quoted as saying.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had earlier expressed his happiness over the eviction drive. “I am happy and compliment district administration of Darrang and Assam Police for having cleared about 4500 bigha, by evicting 800 households, demolishing 4 illegal religious structures and a private instn at Sipajhar, Darrang,” Sarma had tweeted.
Meanwhile, the incident has evoked angry reactions from netizens with the role of the Assam Police coming under sharp scrutiny.
Democracy being crushed by the protector themselves in Assam, firing upon protesting villagers and killing them. Also, the so-called journalist joining the police force and kicking the man lying unconscious. No amount of justification can justify the action of @assampolice. pic.twitter.com/NI08krFnFQ
— Dr Hafiz Rafiqul Islam (@HafizRafiqulMLA) September 23, 2021
The person with camera, CAN you see the hatred in him?
That's how Muslims of Assam became "illegal migrants"
I am numb. I am Speechless! https://t.co/rkpX7UR7HS
— Aman Wadud (@AmanWadud) September 23, 2021
What protocol orders firing to the chest of a lone man coming running with a stick @DGPAssamPolice @assampolice ? Who is the man in civil clothes with a camera who repeatedly jumps with bloodthirsty hate on the body of the fallen (probably dead) man? pic.twitter.com/gqt9pMbXDq
— Kavita Krishnan (@kavita_krishnan) September 23, 2021
Where is @humanrights1st @UNHumanRights , @UN ?
In the name of Eviction people are killed in Assam. See even being a Journalist how he attacked the man.
If this is not Islamophobia then what is?#Assam #Islamophobia_in_india pic.twitter.com/tVmTm2exDF— Mohd Daud (@DaudHKhan_) September 23, 2021
Three dead, according the local accounts, as Assam govt's eviction drive in Darrang district's Sipajhar turns violent. Some horrific visuals coming in.
— Arunabh Saikia (@psychia90) September 23, 2021
At least three people are reported to have been killed by the Assam Police with many sustaining serious injuries.