Chencho Dema
Punakha – A 33-year-old Bhutanese man was assaulted by a mob and an Indian police officer near Toorsa turning into Jaigaon on January 26. The victim was travelling in a white Maruti Wagon R taxi as part of a four-vehicle convoy returning to Bhutan from Sikkim when the attack occurred.
Following the incident, the victim, along with his brother, the Phuentsholing Superintendent of Police , and the Officer-in-Charge, visited the Jaigaon police station on January 28. There, the police officer responsible for the assault apologised to the victim.
Sources said that the officer involved will be transferred.
The incident occurred when the taxi he was travelling in collided with a motorcycle. The collision led to a heated argument, which escalated into a brawl.
The victim urged the public not to share videos of the incident on social media, saying they have already caused him distress and could have a lasting impact on his family, including his young son.
He also called on the authorities to take down the videos.
“What’s done is done, and I cannot change it, but I am moving forward with the hope that such incidents do not happen to any Bhutanese travellers. At the same time, I urge Indian citizens to exercise restraint and avoid resorting to violence,” the victim said.
The victim frequently travels to Jaigaon for work, but this incident has left him worried.
However, a Jaigaon police officer assured him that such incidents would not recur and that his safety would be prioritised.
Sources told Kuensel that the Indian IC acknowledged the seriousness of the incident and also reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining peace and harmony along the border.
The victim said that the incident should serve as a reminder to Bhutanese travelers to exercise caution when traveling on Indian roads, while also sending a clear message to his counterparts that such behavior will not be tolerated.
“I appreciate everyone who has supported me on social media. However, I sincerely request people to stop sharing the videos. Let’s move forward and leave this incident behind,” he said.
