In Silchar, Assam, four policemen have been suspended with immediate effect in the case of stopping an ambulance to make way for the convoy of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. These include two sub-inspectors and two lance naiks. A departmental inquiry has also been ordered into the matter. After the video of the incident surfaced, the Chief Minister termed it unacceptable and apologized to the patient and his family.
The Chief Minister said that in any emergency, the convoy of the patient cannot be more than what is required. However, Cachar Police later clarified that different information came to light regarding whether there was a patient in the ambulance or not. According to the statement of the ambulance driver, he had waited for some time willingly. Despite this, the Chief Minister said that the movement of the convoy should not cause any problem to the common people and emergency services.
Complete story of the case in 10 points
1. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's convoy was passing through Silchar on Wednesday. Meanwhile, the ambulance was stopped in Ramnagar area till the convoy passed.
2. A video of the incident surfaced on social media, in which the ambulance was seen waiting for the convoy to pass.
3. After the video and information about the incident came to light, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma apologized to the patient and his family on social media. He described the incident as “unacceptable”.
4. The Chief Minister said that the convoy of any Chief Minister cannot be given priority over the needs of emergency medics. He also gave instructions to investigate the incident.
5. In this case, Cachar Senior Superintendent of Police Partha Pratim Das suspended four policemen with immediate effect. A departmental inquiry has also been initiated against him.
6. The suspended policemen include SI Vijay Goswami, in-charge of Srikona police post, and SI Shivshankar Das of NH Way police post.
7. Apart from these, Lance Naik Zahurul Islam of Katigoda police station and Lance Naik Kausar Ahmed Barbhuiya of Silchar traffic branch have also been suspended.
8. According to the police, the employees deployed on convoy duty were instructed in advance that the common people should not face any problem during the movement of the Chief Minister's convoy. Officials were also instructed to monitor this system.
9. Regarding the incident, Cachar Police also informed that the ambulance driver had told the officials that he had waited for some time as per his wish. Meanwhile, different reports also emerged regarding the presence of a patient in the ambulance.
10. At the time of the incident, the Chief Minister was present in Silchar to review the development works of Barak Valley and campaign for his party's candidates for the upcoming Silchar Municipal Corporation elections. The Chief Minister clearly said that strict action will be taken against those who violate the instructions related to the convoy.