|| Black and White Digital News ||

|| Parvinder Singh June 16 ,2024 ||

Jammu:A significant controversy has erupted in Jammu’s Belicharana area under the jurisdiction of police Station Satwari , involving illegal construction, the role of cantonment board officials, and the assault on a journalist. An FIR has been registered at the Satwari police station against Raman Sharma, son of Rajinder Sharma, for unauthorized construction and assault.

The FIR, number 138/2024, lists several charges against Raman Sharma, including wrongful restraint (341 IPC), voluntarily causing hurt (323 IPC), mischief causing damage (427 IPC), intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace (504 IPC), and criminal intimidation (506 IPC). Sharma, a resident of Belicharana, is accused of engaging in construction work within 100 meters of a restricted area, violating SRO No. 12 dated 14-02-2007. As per this SRO, no new construction work is permitted within this zone without proper authorization.

Responsibility and Accountability of Cantonment Board Officials:

The unauthorized construction raises serious questions about the accountability of cantonment board officials. It is their duty to monitor and prevent illegal constructions, especially in sensitive areas. The fact that this structure reached an advanced stage without permission suggests a possible nexus between builders and officials, exploiting weekends and holidays to evade scrutiny. There are calls for strict action against the erring officers responsible for this negligence.

Role of the Police and Legal Actions:

The police, having registered the FIR, are now responsible for a thorough investigation. Ensuring that such violations are met with appropriate legal action is crucial to uphold the rule of law. The police must also provide a safe environment for journalists and other citizens to report illegal activities without fear of retaliation.

Incident of Assault on Journalist:

The controversy took a darker turn when a local journalist was assaulted while covering the illegal construction. The journalist, responding to a call from locals, faced physical and verbal abuse, including unparliamentary language from Raman Sharma. This attack on the media is alarming and highlights the dangers faced by journalists in the line of duty. The media fraternity has expressed grave concern over this incident, demanding justice and protection for those reporting on public interest issues.

Allegations of Extortion and Police Response:

Raman Sharma has alleged that the journalist demanded Rs. 25,000, an accusation that has sparked further controversy. However, police officers present in the video acknowledged that there was no demand for money. The police stated that the allegations were unfounded and made without any evidence, likely intended to malign the journalist’s reputation and deter them from reporting on the illegal construction. The role of the police officers at the scene is also under scrutiny, as they left despite knowing there was a potential for conflict.

Need for Vigilance and Action:

The Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Jammu, known for his integrity and honesty, is urged to personally investigate how illegal constructions continue unchecked. This includes scrutinizing the role of cantonment board officials and ensuring stringent measures are in place to prevent such activities in the future. The DC’s intervention is essential to maintain public trust and ensure that all construction activities comply with legal and regulatory frameworks.

Impact on Public Trust and Media Freedom:

This incident has broader implications for public trust in governance and the freedom of the press. The authorities’ response will be closely watched by the public and media alike. Ensuring accountability and transparency in handling this case will be vital in restoring confidence and demonstrating that illegal activities and attacks on journalists will not be tolerated.

The unauthorized construction in Satwari and the subsequent assault on a journalist underscore the urgent need for stricter enforcement of building regulations and protection for media personnel. Authorities must act decisively to address these issues, holding responsible parties accountable and preventing future occurrences. The DC Jammu’s involvement could be a pivotal step in restoring order and trust in the system, ensuring that the rule of law prevails.

The entire media community stands in solidarity with the assaulted journalist, calling for justice and better safeguards for those who risk their safety to bring important issues to light. The unfounded allegations against the journalist must be investigated thoroughly to prevent misuse of such tactics to discredit the media and hinder their essential work.