CORRESPONDENTS
DHEKIAJULI/TEZPUR: In a significant breakthrough, Assam police arrested controversial RTI activist Dilip Nath from Gossaigaon in the early hours of Sunday as he attempted to re-enter Assam from West Bengal. Nath had been evading arrest following allegations of orchestrating a violent attack on a team of journalists investigating illegal sand and stone mining operations in the Pashnoi area of Hugrajuli in Sonitpur district.
The incident occurred on June 29, when a journalist named Bimaljyoti Nath and his team were returning after covering a protest against rampant illegal riverbed mining near the Bordikorai River. On their way back, they were ambushed and brutally assaulted by a group comprising Kapil Nath, son of Dilip Nath, Prashanta Nath, Pankaj Nath, and Aniram Basumatary. The attackers allegedly tried to kill the journalists and destroyed their mobile phones and recorded footage. Bimaljyoti Nath sustained serious injuries in the attack, sources said.
Police had earlier arrested the four attackers, including Dilip Nath’s son. Investigations based on multiple FIRs revealed that the assault was carried out at the behest of Dilip Nath, who subsequently went into hiding. The accused were remanded to judicial custody.
Public outrage followed the incident, with widespread protests by several organizations, including the Sonitpur Journalists Union, Dhekiajuli Press Club, Rangapara Press Club, and the All Bodo Students Union, demanding strict action against the culprits. The protests also highlighted alleged lapses in the initial police inquiry. Charu Rajbongshi, Officer-in-Charge of Raikhasmari Police Outpost, who was initially transferred to reserve duty, was later suspended, police officials said.
Dilip Nath has long been accused of misusing RTI activism and falsely presenting himself as a journalist to shield and benefit from illegal mining operations. He allegedly ran a blackmail racket, using RTI applications and a dubious affiliation with a portal called NE Bharat to extort individuals and obstruct investigations.
The police and forest department seized several incriminating documents, computer equipment, CCTV systems, and a Honda Amaze (Reg No. AS12AG2303) during a joint raid at Nath’s residence in Pashnoi. The raid also uncovered illegal timber linked to a furniture outlet run under his name.
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