GUWAHATI: The Assam Human Rights Commission has taken strong exception to the absence of the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Latasil Police Station, who failed to appear despite an order mandating his attendance. The OC, appointed as "Leader of the Special Team" by a directive from the DCP (Crime), Guwahati, was formally notified on August 9 but has since disregarded his obligation.
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The Commission condemned this behaviour as a "profound contempt" for its authority, citing it as a severe breach of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, and an affront to accountability principles.
Only three representatives from relevant NGOs attended the hearing: Rituparna Neog, Director of Akam Foundation; Roni Bhattacharjee, General Secretary of Sneha Bandhan; and Anisha Dailnari from Sneha Bandhan. Rituparna Neog provided additional contacts of NGOs supporting transgender individuals, which the Commission has since incorporated. Additionally, the Commission accepted a request to replace the term "eunuch" with "Transgender" or "TG" in all future orders.
In response to the OC’s absence, the Commission directed the Chief Secretary, the Assam Home Department, the Director General of Police, and the Commissioner of Police, Kamrup (M), to initiate disciplinary action and ensure the OC’s attendance at the next hearing. Further failure to comply will result in charges under Section 13(2) of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, and Sections 176 and 177 of the Indian Penal Code.
The next date of hearing has been fixed for November 12.
