Andaman and Nicobar Police Local News Politics South Andaman

Journalists Assaulted by IRBn Personnel at Junglighat; Suspended from Service, Legal Action Being Initiated

Tarun Karthick December 21, 2021

Tarun Karthick & Rohit Kumar

Campbell Bay/Port Blair, 21 December 2021

Two journalists from News Aap Tak were assaulted by an IRBn Personnel while they were covering a story at Junglighat near Fisheries Colony.

On 20th of December at about 3:00 Pm Mr. J Boby, Chairman of News Aap Tak received a phone call that the Tehsildar, Port Blair along with the Revenue Staff is carrying out an eviction drive at Fishermen Colony, Junglighat.

Mr. J Boby along with his cameramen Mr. Rahul Bairagi reached the spot and found that the Tehsildar, Revenue Staff, SHO PS Aberdeen, other Police & IRBn personnel were present there along with a huge gathering of the general public.

The general public informed Mr. J Boby that the Tehsildar is carrying out the Eviction Drive on a pick and choose basis and the general public also pointed to a house that was not dismantled, whereas other houses in the vicinity had been dismantled. 

Mr. J Boby wanted to question the Tehsildar on the reasons for leaving one house untouched, whereas all other houses in the vicinity had been dismantled during the eviction drive. While Mr. J Boby was interviewing the Tehsildar, an IRBn Head Constable named Mr. Manikandan Nair came and asked Mr. Boby to stop the interview and threatened him that he is interfering with the official work. Mr. J Boby told Mr. Manikandan, when the Tehsildar has no problem and is giving them an interview, why he is interfering in their work.

Mr. Manikandan then slapped Mr. J Boby and also pushed him due to which he suffered injuries. Mr. Manikandan then also started beating Mr. Rahul Bairagi with lathi without any reason. Mr. Manikandan also reportedly used abusive language for Mr. Rahul. Mr. Rahul sustained heavy injuries due to the brutal beatings. The camera of the journalist also got damaged.

The whole incident took place in the presence of Tehsildar, Port Blair, the staff from Revenue Department and SHO PS Aberdeen and his staff.

Mr. Boby and Mr. Rahul then visited G.B Pant Hospital for treatment as the injuries inflicted on them were causing serious pain.

A formal police complaint was lodged by Mr. J Boby with PS Aberdeen on 20th of December 2021 and action was sought against Mr. Manikandan.

The incident was also condemned by the Media Fraternity of Andaman and Nicobar Islands and action was demanded against Mr. Manikandan. 

DGP, A & N Islands through his official Twitter handle tweeted this afternoon regarding the incident and informed that an inquiry is being conducted and Mr. Manikandan has been placed under suspension. He added that legal action is being initiated on the complaint of Mr. J Boby.

Media is the fourth pillar of democracy and it is the duty of media to bring out the truth and report about the activities of the administration and the Govt. It is highly painful that such an incident occurred in the peaceful Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

If media is stopped and the journalists are beaten up during reporting, it discourages people from visiting and reporting from the ground. Fearless and independent media is one of the most important pillars of a healthy democracy.

The prompt action by Andaman and Nicobar Police against HC Manikandan Nair is appreciable and Andaman and Nicobar Police should be lauded for it. 

The officials of Police, Administration and other establishments must be clearly instructed to behave properly with members of the general public as well as the media. No one should be allowed to misbehave with anyone. All cases of misbehaviour that are reported should be dealt with utmost seriousness and on priority.

The public servants employed in different departments sometimes forget that they work for the general public and are expected to treat everyone with respect, perform their duties sincerely and serve public interest at all times.