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Scribes allegedly attacked by goons of illegal traders

By Correspondent
Scribes allegedly attacked by goons of illegal traders
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AT Photo

Dhubri, Aug 8: Dhubri based senior journalist Aminur Ahmed and Video Journalist Santosh Roy, was allegedly kept in confinement at Dhubri Free India Port by goons of illegal traders of PDS rice and attacked recently, when the scribes went on the spot to cover the news.


Ahmed stated that they got information that few persons are operating illegal trade of PDS Rice from Dhubri Port (Jahaj Ghat) and accordingly both of them went to the spot for covering the news on Tuesday evening at about 6:30 PM. He stated that on such PDS Rice from Dhubri District, which are meant for poor people traded illegally to South Salmara Mankachar District and then sent to Bangladesh. "I have spoken about it in my media houses several times in the past and about such illegal trade, but it is continuing after the SOP restrictions are implemented", Ahmed said.

He added that alleged illegal traders are using a government river port, after the crowds are less in the town in the evening due to SOP implementations. "Trucks filled with illegally traded PDS rice enter the port, the rice bags are unloaded and then reloaded in boats and then exported for Bangladesh. And all these things are done taking advantage of darkness, inside a locked govt port at the time of night curfew, when streets are least crowded".

However, when the scribes entered the port, few antisocial persons armed with sharp weapons reached the spot and confined senior journalists inside the port snatched their mobile phones, later they released Roy and tried to kill Ahmed, stating that Ahmed has been vocal about such trade, informed the video journalist who was present at the spot.

Ahmed stated that the goons have expressed that they were instructed by one Uttam Kumar Saha, to kill journalists who were regularly broadcasting news about illegal trade of PDS commodities and for naming Saha in such trades. Meanwhile, after escaping Roy informed other journalists of Dhubri town area and subsequently Police and an Addl. DC reached on the spot and rescued Ahmed. In this regard Dhubri Police have also registered an FIR against Saha and his good Under Section 147/325/307/382/506 of IPC, for attempting to murder Ahmed.

The journalist fraternity of Dhubri has also submitted a memorandum to the DC demanding security to the journalist and for proper investigation in the entire episode of illegal trade of PDS commodities in the district.

"Attack on any journalist is an attack on the entire democratic value of the country. The fourth pillar of democracy needs to be protected", said Ashiqure Rahman, District President of Assam Union of Working Journalists.

"This is not the first time a journalist is attacked in Dhubri for raising his voice against illegal activities and for the masses. But it has to be the last. The journalist needs to be protected specially and or else it will hamper the society", said Rajib Sarmah, General Secretary of Dhubri Press Club.

Many politicians, educationalists, senior citizens and individuals have condemned the entire event and have spoken in favour of Ahmed and demanded immediate inquiry into the entire matter and arrest the accused persons immediately.

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