Garobadha dacoity: ‘Dual admin a problem’
TURA: Members of several Garo Hills organisations, who are upset over the slow pace of investigation into the Garobadha dacoity case, have decided to petition the State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) to seek justice for the victims.
GSU, GHSMC, FKJGP, AYWO and ADE visited the affected village on Monday and held a meeting with the villagers during which they informed that they would petition SHRC to ensure that the Government bring the guilty to justice and provide assistance to the victims who, apart from losing their savings, have already spent a staggering amount on treatment in Guwahati.
“The government should provide nothing short of Rs 15 lakh to the injured persons because their medical expenses have already crossed several lakhs of rupees. The family has lost everything in that attack and we also want the commission to take note of the government failure in protecting them even though a police station was located nearby,” said GSU leader Alinford D Sangma. Police are yet to make a breakthrough in the case even after 21 days of the incident that took place on the night of January 23. An armed gang of robbers from Assam attacked the family of Tapan Ghosh in Garobadha and critically injured the house owner.
Ghosh’s two sons, wife and sister-in-law were also assaulted. The robbers took away their ornaments and money.
The police outpost is 200m from the Ghosh’s house. No FIR was lodged for five days.
The problem of dual administration in Garobadha since the creation of South West Garo Hills district was also raised during the meeting. Though the civil administration of Garobadha falls under South West Garo Hills, the law and order falls under the jurisdiction of West Garo Hills.
“This matter needs serious attention at the earliest because it has created confusion among many,” said GHSMC leader of Garobadha Ryan Marak.
Alinford said, “This has been causing tremendous problems and the most affected are the people who do not know which district authority to approach for redressal of their grievances.”