ITANAGAR, Apr 1: The district election officer (DEO) of Kurung Kumey district has ordered an inquiry against a BJP candidate and his supporters for allegedly assaulting a magistrate on duty.
Santosh Kumar Rai, in a notification issued on Saturday, ordered a magisterial inquiry into the “physical assault” on Jill Gyamar, who was on election duty near Leel village in Sangram circle of the district.
The order has been issued against BJP candidate Lokam Tassar, his personal security officer and other supporters, who had allegedly attacked the magistrate on 24 March in the presence of the circle officer and the district magistrate, officials said.
“The probe shall be conducted by Sangram SDO Otem Jamoh and submitted to the DEO by 2 April,” the order said.
In a complaint to the election commission here, Gyamar informed that he was stationed as a magistrate on duty with the police at the Kurung river bridge point, but on 24 March he and his team were instructed by the DEO to accompany him to Sangram area to conduct checks on vehicles that were coming up to Leel village.
Gyamar said that during the check, the candidate and his party began “abusing me without any reason.”
The magistrate said he informed the candidate that he was performing his duty under the instruction and direction of the DEO, but was assaulted in return.
“The group of people attacked me and snatched the magistrate I-card, blazer and kicked and punched me. I had to flee from the spot in order to save my life,” he said in his complaint.
Seeking immediate intervention of the election commission, Gyamar also claimed that he has been receiving threats, and sought transfer from Koloriang. (With PTI input)
