In a significant development from Jharkhand, the officer-in-charge of Hansdiha police station in Dumka district was suspended late on Monday, nearly 36 hours after he allegedly assaulted a journalist. The action was taken following a departmental inquiry into the incident which has drawn widespread condemnation.
The Incident and Immediate Fallout
Tarachand, the OC of Hansdiha police station, was placed under suspension by Dumka Superintendent of Police Pitambar Singh Kherwar. The suspension order was based on an inquiry report submitted by the Jarmundi subdivisional police officer. The report concluded that Tarachand had misbehaved, threatened, and intimidated journalist Mrityunjay Pandey, thereby tarnishing the public image of the police force.
The altercation occurred on the night of December 27. Journalist Mrityunjay Pandey was travelling in a car with a colleague, Nitesh Kumar, when they encountered a traffic congestion at Hansdiha Chowk. Upon enquiring about the hold-up, they were allegedly abused and physically attacked by Tarachand, who was present at the spot in civil clothes along with his driver, Amit Kumar.
Journalist's Complaint and Public Protest
Following the assault, Pandey proceeded to the Hansdiha police station to report the matter. In a turn of events, Tarachand himself arrived at the station shortly after. In his written complaint filed with the SP the next morning, Pandey stated, "When they followed us to the police station and kept beating us, we realized that one of them was the OC himself." This revelation intensified the gravity of the situation.
The incident sparked immediate outrage among the local press corps. Journalists in Dumka city organized a dharna (sit-in protest) outside the old collectorate building, demanding stringent action against the accused police officer. Their key demands included:
- Registration of a formal First Information Report (FIR) against Tarachand.
- His immediate removal from service.
The protesting journalists also submitted a memorandum to Deputy Commissioner Abhijeet Sinha, reiterating their demands for accountability and justice.
Official Action and Ongoing Probe
The suspension order issued by the SP's office explicitly mentions that a departmental probe has been ordered against the suspended officer. The order further directed Tarachand to report to the district police line for the duration of his suspension. This move is seen as a direct consequence of the inquiry which found his actions detrimental to police discipline and public trust.
The case highlights the ongoing tensions between law enforcement and the press in certain regions and underscores the importance of accountability for those in positions of power. The departmental investigation will now determine the final course of disciplinary action against the suspended officer.
