Protests Erupt in Golaghat Over Assault on Journalist by Forest Officials

Dispur, India Aug 29, 2026 ALN: Journalists in Golaghat took to the streets on Friday demanding justice over an alleged incident of assault and misbehaviour involving a journalist and forest department officials. The protest reflects a growing concern among the media and civil society regarding the safety and rights of journalists in the region, which has seen a troubling trend of violence and intimidation against media personnel.

A massive protest was staged in front of the Golaghat District Commissioner’s office, with participation and support from more than 35 organisations, including journalists’ bodies and various ethnic and community groups. This widespread support highlights not only the solidarity among journalists but also a broader societal recognition of the importance of press freedom and the protection of those who work to uphold it.

The incident dates back to August 20, when Devashish Saha, Assistant Secretary of the Golaghat District Journalists’ Association and a journalist with a private electronic news channel, allegedly faced intimidation from a team of Forest Department officials led by Deputy Ranger Ankur Mahanta and Forester Prakash Das. The allegations suggest a serious breach of conduct by public officials, raising questions about accountability and the rule of law within government departments.

According to the allegations, the officials attempted to damage Saha’s camera and tried to assault him after locking the main entrance and preventing him from leaving. Parts of the incident were reportedly captured on the journalist’s camera, which could serve as crucial evidence in any subsequent legal proceedings. Such incidents not only threaten individual journalists but also undermine the fundamental principles of a free press, which is essential for a functioning democracy.

Following the incident, both the Forest Department and the Forest Minister announced departmental inquiries. However, with no visible action taken against the officials so far, the journalist community and several organisations expressed strong resentment. The lack of timely and transparent action has led to a deterioration of trust between the media and government institutions, which is critical for maintaining a healthy democratic environment.

Despite police barricades, journalists, representatives of various organisations, and members of the public gathered in front of the office and held a large protest meeting. The determination of the protesters to voice their concerns, even in the face of police resistance, underscores the urgency of their demands for justice and accountability.

The meeting was attended by representatives from several organisations, including the Golaghat District Journalists’ Association, Media Forum, Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti, All Golaghat District Students’ Union, ATASU, TYPA, AJYCP, Chutia Students’ Union, AATSA, Bir Lachit Sena, and numerous other journalists’ and community organisations. This coalition of diverse groups illustrates the widespread acknowledgment of the threat to journalistic freedom and the need for collective action to address such issues.

At the conclusion of the protest, a memorandum was submitted to the district administration. This memorandum is likely to outline the demands of the protesting groups, which may include calls for immediate action against the officials involved in the incident, a commitment to ensure the safety of journalists, and broader reforms to protect press freedom in the region.

The implications of this incident extend beyond Golaghat, highlighting a national concern regarding the treatment of journalists in India. Over the years, there have been numerous reports of violence against journalists, particularly those covering sensitive issues such as environmental concerns, corruption, and human rights abuses. The response of local and national authorities to such incidents will be closely scrutinized, as it will reflect their commitment to upholding democratic values and protecting the rights of all citizens, including those in the media.

Furthermore, the protest serves as a reminder of the vital role that journalists play in society. They are often the first line of defense against corruption and abuse of power, and their work is essential for informing the public and holding authorities accountable. As such, any attack on a journalist is not just an attack on an individual but an attack on the very fabric of democracy.

In conclusion, the protests in Golaghat represent a significant moment for the local journalist community and the broader society. It is a call to action for all stakeholders to prioritize the protection of press freedom and ensure that those who seek to intimidate and silence journalists are held accountable. The outcome of this situation could set important precedents for how similar incidents are handled in the future, thereby shaping the landscape of media freedom in the region and beyond.