Human Rights Commission Acts on Journalist’s Detention in Assam
Journalist Held After Reporting on Protest Against Bank
Commission Takes Suo Moto Action
The National Human Rights Commission took suo moto cognizance on Thursday regarding the detention of journalist Dilwar Hussain Mozumder in Assam. Mozumder was held after covering a protest against a bank associated with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, alleging financial irregularities.
Possible Human Rights Violation
The human rights body expressed concern that Mozumder’s detention could be a human rights violation if his reporting was accurate. The commission issued a notice to Assam’s director general of police and the state government, requesting a comprehensive report within four weeks.
No Explanation for Detention
The commission observed that no reason was given for Mozumder’s detention. Mozumder, a journalist with digital news outlet The CrossCurrent, was arrested on March 25 after questioning Dombaru Saikia, the managing director of the Assam Co-operative Apex Bank, about alleged financial irregularities.
Chief Minister’s Connection to Bank
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma is a director of the Assam Cooperative Apex Bank, and Bharatiya Janata Party MLA Biswajit Phukan is its chairman.
Arrest and Release
- Mozumder was initially arrested on charges of criminal intimidation and under provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Prevention of Atrocities Act.
- He was granted bail the next evening.
- Despite the bail, Mozumder was taken to the Pan Bazar police station and arrested in connection with a second case filed by Saikia.
- Mozumder was released from jail on March 29.
- The day after, his elder brother Tayabur Rahman Mozumder was arrested in an unrelated case.
Chief Minister’s Remarks
Sarma stated last week that the government did not consider Mozumder a journalist as he worked with a digital news portal. The chief minister clarified that Mozumder was not arrested in connection with his reporting.
