A video of a Bhutanese man being assaulted by local people and police in the neighbouring Indian town of Jaigaon has gone viral sparking intense debate. People are raising concerns and questioning safety while travelling in India. The incident reportedly took place on Sunday. Meanwhile, the man says he has been left emotionally disturbed following the incident.
A 25-year-old man from Trashigang was returning from Sikkim in his brother’s vehicle. When they reached the Toorsa Junction which is about four kilometres from Jaigaon, he says a motorbike collided with their car.
He claims the two parties were negotiating when a group of locals intervened and escalated the situation.
Amidst the chaos, he says the biker attempted to flee and the man managed to grab hold of the passenger.
He alleges the situation worsened when a person claiming to be a journalist allegedly exaggerated the issue.
He claims a police official also arrived shortly but instead of addressing the matter, the man started assaulting him.
Video footage of the incident shows the man being beaten by both the locals and the police.
Local media reported that the biker sustained serious injuries and that some of the Bhutanese men also attacked the police.
The man denies this stating that no one would dare to attack officials in a foreign country.
He added that he did try to escape fearing for his life as he sustained injuries to his back and head.
He was later taken to the Jaigaon police station where the case was reportedly settled with a compensation of Nu 2,000.
The man says he met with the Indian Police along with his family and the Bhutanese police yesterday and says they apologised to him.
Meanwhile, Bhutanese have been voicing concerns about safety while travelling in India.
On this, Jaigaon police said Bhutanese should not worry, assuring full protection and support.
Authorities in Phuentshogling have also confirmed that they are closely working with their counterparts in Jaigaon.
Kinley Dem
Edited by Sangay Chezom
