Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Gangtok: An Army officer has filed a counter FIR regarding the June 9 dispute between military personnel and taxi drivers in North Sikkim. This legal action follows public outcry over viral social media footage that appeared to show a civilian driver being assaulted by soldiers near Zero Point.
Captain Suraj Somnath Bhagat lodged the complaint at the Lachung Police Station on June 10. According to the document, the conflict began when an Army convoy traveling from Thangu toward Lachung encountered a vehicle blocking the road. Bhagat claims that after his team requested the driver to move, a heated argument ensued, resulting in the driver and several others physically attacking the soldiers.
The FIR details several allegations against the civilians, including the harassment of military personnel and attempts to prevent the convoy from completing its mission. The report states that one individual encouraged others to block the route and tried to seize the officer's mobile phone while he attempted to record the scene. The complaint further notes an additional assault on a soldier near Shiv Mandir.
Police have registered the case under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, focusing on the obstruction of public servants and physical assault. As part of the ongoing investigation, Bhagat and two other soldiers underwent medical examinations at the Chungthang Primary Health Centre. The State-Level Chalak Wing of the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha and the Sarathi Welfare Board had previously demanded a transparent probe, stating they were "concerned by the allegations while maintaining their respect for the Indian Army."
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