GUWAHATI: A violent clash between two groups at Jorabat on October 2 has raised serious allegations of police collusion with local coal syndicates, as multiple reports suggest deliberate inaction by the Jorabat police. The incident, which left several people injured, highlights ongoing disputes in the Meghalaya-Assam border area and has raised concerns about the involvement of law enforcement in criminal activities.
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The clash, reportedly involving coal syndicate members, took place at the vital Jorabat junction, where mafias are said to control the flow of coal-carrying vehicles from Meghalaya into Assam. Allegations suggest that only select trucks, pre-registered with the syndicate, are allowed passage, while others are barred from entry. Witnesses claim that a group of 10-15 men, along with police officers from the Jorabat Outpost, were involved in the altercation.
Meanwhile, a regional journalist who arrived to cover the incident was assaulted by the group while the police stood by. The journalist, who wished to remain anonymous, recounted the ordeal, stating, "I arrived near Jorabat Outpost after receiving information about a serious altercation. As I was waiting for my team, I saw a police vehicle speeding towards the scene and started recording it. Before I could do anything further, a group of men approached me, snatched my phone and assaulted me, all in the presence of a police officer."
The journalist continued, "I identified myself as a journalist, but they were undeterred. It was only when my senior colleagues arrived and began recording the attack that the group fled in several vehicles."
The entire incident, the journalist claimed, was captured on CCTV footage outside the Jorabat Outpost. Despite this, there appears to have been no action taken by the police. "The police were complicit in the attack, and it’s clear they are working with these syndicates," the journalist alleged.
A similar complaint was lodged at Byrnihat Outpost by a local resident of 12th Mile, Meghalaya, who was injured during the clash. The victim is now demanding justice, claiming that the police deliberately turned a blind eye to the violence and lack of safety for residents.
However, when contacted, an official from the Jorabat Outpost dismissed the allegations. "No complaints have been filed regarding this matter. It seems the media has blown this out of proportion," the official said, attempting to downplay the severity of the incident.
Despite these claims, the allegations against the Jorabat police point to a wider, more troubling issue of collusion between law enforcement and criminal syndicates operating in the area. With no action being taken by higher authorities, public confidence in the justice system is being further eroded.
The lack of accountability and transparency within the police force has sparked outrage among local residents, who feel that justice is being denied. "It's obvious there's something corrupt going on here. The police are protecting the syndicates, not the people," said one anonymous local resident.
As the situation at Jorabat continues to escalate, there are growing calls for an independent investigation into the alleged nexus between the police and coal mafias. However, with no formal complaints or actions being taken, it remains to be seen whether justice will be served, or if this incident will be yet another example of law enforcement's failure to protect the public.
For now, the people of Jorabat remain caught between seemingly corrupt forces, with little hope of seeing justice prevail.