The Guwahati Police Commissioner has ordered an investigation into an incident that occurred today in front of the Assam Legislative Assembly, where a woman police officer allegedly slapped a female protester. The incident has sparked widespread outrage, prompting immediate action from the authorities to determine the facts and ensure accountability.
The altercation took place during a protest organized by a group of women who were voicing their concerns over a range of issues, including rising prices and government policies they deemed detrimental to their interests. As tensions escalated between the protesters and the police, the situation reportedly took a turn for the worse when a confrontation between the officer and one of the protesters led to the alleged assault.
Witnesses at the scene described a chaotic atmosphere, with protesters chanting slogans and holding placards as they marched toward the Assembly. The police, tasked with maintaining order and preventing any disruption to the legislative proceedings, were present in significant numbers. According to onlookers, the clash occurred when the protesters attempted to breach the security cordon set up around the Assembly building.
In the ensuing commotion, the female officer, whose identity has not yet been disclosed, was seen engaging with one of the leading protesters. Video footage captured by bystanders shows the officer raising her hand and striking the woman, an act that has since gone viral on social media, drawing widespread condemnation from various quarters.
Reacting swiftly to the growing uproar, the Guwahati Police Commissioner announced that an internal probe would be launched to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. The Commissioner emphasized the need for a thorough and impartial inquiry, stating that the police force is committed to upholding the rights of citizens while maintaining law and order.
In a press statement, the Commissioner acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations and assured the public that the matter would be dealt with in accordance with the law. “We are fully aware of the concerns raised by the public regarding the incident in front of the Assam Legislative Assembly. I have ordered an immediate inquiry to ascertain the facts and determine whether there was any misconduct on the part of the officer involved. The findings of this investigation will guide our next steps,” the statement read.
The protester who was allegedly assaulted has also spoken out, expressing her shock and dismay at the officer’s actions. In an interview with local media, she recounted the incident, stating that she and her fellow demonstrators were exercising their democratic right to protest when the situation escalated. “We were peaceful and only wanted our voices to be heard. What happened to me was completely uncalled for and unacceptable. I hope justice is served,” she said.
Human rights organizations and activists have also weighed in, calling for transparency in the investigation and for the officer to be held accountable if found guilty of misconduct. They argue that the incident raises broader concerns about the treatment of protesters and the use of force by law enforcement agencies. Some have even called for a review of police protocols when dealing with peaceful demonstrations, to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
The incident has further fueled ongoing debates in Assam about the relationship between the state and its citizens, particularly regarding the right to peaceful protest. As the investigation proceeds, many are watching closely to see how the authorities will respond and whether this case will set a precedent for future interactions between police and protesters.
In the meantime, the Guwahati Police have urged the public to remain calm and allow the investigation to take its course. The Commissioner reiterated the importance of respecting the rule of law and maintaining public order, especially during times of heightened tensions.
As the inquiry continues, the focus remains on ensuring that justice is served, both for the alleged victim and for the integrity of the police force. The outcome of this investigation will likely have significant implications for how similar incidents are handled in the future and for public confidence in the police.