SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, April 16: In a shocking incident, media persons covering a Congress protest rally in Dhanbad were assaulted by party members, with equipment damaged and mobile phones snatched. The rally, held in the late afternoon at Randhir Verma Chowk to protest the National Herald issue, turned violent when journalists attempted to record a scuffle among Congress workers.
The attackers allegedly included Saif Ansari and Kaif Ansari, sons of district Congress executive president Rashid Raja, along with two cousins. They reportedly beat up reporters, snatched mobile phones, and damaged a camera belonging to a Dainik Jagran photographer, Shahid.
Complaint Lodged, Press Club Demands Immediate Arrests
The assaulted media personnel have lodged a written complaint at Dhanbad Sadar police station, naming Rashid Raja’s sons and cousins. Shahid, who sustained serious facial injuries after being struck with an iron rod, has been admitted to Sadar Hospital. The assailants reportedly returned the seized mobile phones following intervention from senior Congress leaders.
The Dhanbad Press Club strongly condemned the incident. President Sanjeev Kumar Jha and General Secretary Ajay Prasad have demanded the immediate arrest of the accused. They warned that the press club may launch an agitation if police fail to act swiftly.
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Violence After Internal Quarrel Among Congress Workers
The incident occurred around 4:15 PM during the Congress rally from Randhir Verma Chowk to City Centre. Upon returning to the chowk, a quarrel broke out between Rashid Raja’s sons and other party workers. As media persons began recording the altercation, the Congress workers allegedly turned on them, initiating the assault.
The violence not only injured journalists but also created chaos at the site, drawing criticism from civil society and media associations alike.
Congress State Leadership Condemns the Incident
Brajendra Prasad Singh, chairman of the Congress State Disciplinary Committee, condemned the attack, calling it “unfortunate” and damaging to the party’s reputation. “I have taken cognizance of the incident and spoken with the state president. In my 10 years as district president, such an incident never occurred,” he said.
Singh emphasized that the Congress has always stood for the safety of journalists and expressed concern over the party’s image being tarnished due to the incident.
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Press Club Warns of Protest if Justice Delayed
Dhanbad Press Club officials stated that this was the first time media persons were attacked during a Congress programme in the region.
“This attack is a serious matter. If police fail to act on the complaint, we will be forced to launch an agitation against the Congress leadership,” said Sanjeev Kumar and Ajay Prasad.
They reiterated their demand for swift justice and accountability to ensure the safety and dignity of journalists across the state.