Karimganj Administration Imposes Section 144 in Patharkandi Following Campus Assault Incident

In a decisive measure to maintain peace and order, the District Magistrate of Karimganj, Mridul Yadav, IAS, has issued prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) in the Patharkandi Police Station area. The order, dated July 21, 2024, was prompted by reports from the Circle Officer of Patharkandi, indicating a potential breach of peace and law and order in the area.

The tensions in Patharkandi escalated following an incident on July 19, where a student from the higher secondary school under Patharkandi College was brutally assaulted by some teachers within the campus. The attack left the student gasping for breath and crying for help on the streets, with the disturbing video going viral on social media. The Karimganj Police took suo moto cognisance of the matter, further intensifying the situation.

The public responded to the virality of the video in large numbers, with several people taking to the streets to protest against such an attack on a minor student. The intense protest prompted Patharkandi Police to rush to the protest site near the college campus and close the gate.

In response to the intense protests, the Karimganj Administration imposed restrictions under CrPC 144 (BNSS 163) in Patharkandi to preserve tranquillity. The area has seen earlier protests and counter-protests after the college student was allegedly beaten by Patharkandi College faculty members.

Earlier today, one teacher was arrested by Patharkandi Police, leading to a fresh wave of protests. While some demanded the arrest of all teachers involved in the alleged assault, another faction protested, demanding the release of the arrested teacher.

The District Magistrate’s prohibitory orders aim to prevent further escalation and ensure peace in the Patharkandi area as investigations continue into the assault incident.