Assam: Goroimari Police accused of shielding human trafficking racket for cash

Serious allegations have surfaced against the Goroimari Police, with claims that a police officer provided protection to a human trafficking racket in exchange for money. The allegations involve Sub-Inspector Hitesh Barman of Goraimari Police Station and pertain to an incident dating back to October 23.

According to the complaint, a minor girl had approached Goroimari Police Station on that day to lodge a case against an alleged human trafficker identified as Hasan Ali. However, it is alleged that instead of acting on the complaint, the police adopted a biased approach. The minor has claimed that Sub-Inspector Hitesh Barman accepted a bribe of ₹2 lakh from Hasan Ali and, in return, provided him protection.

The complaint further alleges that the police subsequently targeted a local journalist, Zamir Al Hasan. A case was reportedly registered against the journalist, with the signature of the minor’s father obtained on the complaint. Based on this case, the journalist was sent to judicial custody.

Following these events, Hasan Ali allegedly informed the minor’s father that he had paid ₹2 lakh as a bribe to the police and demanded that the money be reimbursed. When the father failed to arrange the amount, the accused trafficker allegedly threatened him with dire consequences, including death.

With no other recourse, the minor approached the office of the Superintendent of Police, Kamrup district, on December 9 and submitted a written complaint against Sub-Inspector Hitesh Barman and Hasan Ali. In the complaint, the minor has also alleged that the police have been pressuring and threatening her to withdraw her statement given against Hasan Ali before the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) and instead testify against journalist Zamir Al Hasan.

The minor has demanded strict and impartial action against both the police officer and the alleged human trafficker. The allegations have triggered concern among rights activists and media circles, who are calling for a thorough, independent investigation into the matter. Authorities are yet to issue an official response.

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