The temple where the family members performed ritual at Ganakpara village under Kalaigaon PS in Udalguri on Sunday. Image: Northeast Now

Human Rights Forum, a non-governmental organisation based at Tangla town in Udalguri district of Assam have sought the intervention of the Assam Human Rights Commission into the alleged human rights violation into the death of Pulakesh Sahariah.

Also read:Assam teacher’s son hurt in police firing during human sacrifice bid dies

Sahariah, a bachelors of Computer Application succumbed to bullet injuries by Assam Police a day after being admitted at GMCH.

The incident relates to the case where a science teacher, Jadav Sahariah along with his family members were performing puja rituals at Ganakpara village near Kalaigaon in Udalguri district of Assam where police forces to pacify the unruly family members who allegedly attempted to attack police, fire tender members and journalists with machete and axe opened fire.

Also read: Assam: Kalaigaon incident’s prime accused tantrik Ramesh Sahariah arrested

Besides Jadav Sahariah (58), Pulakesh, his 15-year-old child sustained bullet injuries and were being treated at GMCH, where Pulakesh succumbed to his injuries.

In the complaint filed by president of the NGO, Sailen Kumar Sharma he alleged that though the family was performing puja peacefully and it was owing to the apprehension of locals that the hula baloo was created inviting the wrath of the Sahariah family and while the latter threatened the police and locals no one was attacked.

He further observed that it is very unfortunate and heartbreaking to witness that in five-hour long operation by police and para-military forces, the family had to lose their only son and their sole bread winner critically injured.

The complainant expressing grave concern over the incapacity of the police personnel for not carrying out any safe and sound rescue operations resented the arbitrary decision of open firing by automatic assault weapons.

He further observed that the police could have used non-lethal weapons like tear gas, pepper spray, rubber bullets and could have created a crisis management team to help counteract the situation.

Referring to the crisis of Kashmir valley, the complainant observed as even after receiving serious injuries and threats, the armed forces never open fire on innocent civilians and always try to neutralize the situation.

He also alleged that there was no lady police present on the fateful day to escort out the women members of the family who were semi-nude while performing the rituals and male police constables brought them out of their house in a disgraceful manner.

Sharma requested the AHRC to urgently intervene in the case and sought an high level investigation by an independent authority and exemplary punishment to the perpetrators.

He also requested for adequate compensation for the victim family members.

Udalguri superintendent of police, Longnit Terang in a conversation with NorthEast Now, a day after the incident informed that the police resorted to firing on magisterate’s order.

It is pertinent here to mention that Udalguri deputy commissioner has already ordered a magisterial inquiry on the incident to be conducted by additional deputy commissioner cum on charge of Bhergaon sub-division , Gakul Chandra Brahma.

Shajid Khan is Northeast Now Correspondent in Udalguri. He can be reached at: [email protected]