| News Details |
| Inquiry Committee finds motivated protest to create tension | | *Alleged anti-religion statement of SDM; allegations found baseless |
Rajouri,June 25, (Scoop News)- A committee constituted by District Magistrate, Rajouri in view of conflicting reports about allegations leveled against SDM Koteranka for sensitive remarks and inputs about planned protest to scuttle administrative action with connivance of some officials, today submitted its report indicting many locals for deliberately creating a law and order problem without any facts. The committee headed by Addl District Magistrate Mr Paramjeet Singh has revealed involvement of some people in a deliberate attempt to vitiate the atmosphere and has called for further police investigation to nail such elements to ensure peace in the region.
The enquiry committee examined around 30 persons and recorded their statements at Koteranka in presence of Tehsildar Koteranka. None of the protesters and prominent citizens could pin-point any source of information or proof or witness in support of their allegations against the Sub-Divisional Magistrate. Later the committee also had a meeting with the SDM before returning to the district headquarters. Statements of a prominent cleric was also received telephonically who denied availability of any witness or proof of the alleged statement and sought time from the committee to re-verify the facts. The written statements, CD containing recordings and documents have been submitted along with the inquiry report.
In view of mention by cleric regarding information shared by staff of SDM office the inquiry committee examined all the officials and recorded their statements. None staff members corroborated the claim made during Friday congregational prayers. However, role played by a Revenue official in instigating the mob has not been ruled out which may be subjected to police investigation.
The enquiry report has further revealed that anti-encroachment drive conducted by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate was also a trigger to the allegations as some influential encroachers spearheaded the protest without any iota of truth or any statement and later refused to divulge any details during enquiry.
Pertinently, a newspaper earlier under investigation for its role in creating misinformation on a sensitive issue without verification of facts is also found involved in the instant case. The enquiry officer has also highlighted the role played by the Jammu based newspaper which needs to proceeded under Code of Criminal Procedure.
All the persons involved in protest recorded their statements however 28 out of 30 refused to sign the statement due to their failure to present any witness or proof in support of their allegations against the SDM. Two persons who signed the statements committed that it was based on hearsay and no proof is available. Not even a single person could present any evidence or statement in support of their allegations against the SDM.
District Magistrate, Rajouri has cautioned the anti-social elements and even some newspapers to refrain from such misadventure which has potential of disturbing security of state and may warrant penal action in any such case reported further.
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