Chümoukedima TrueNat lab staff goes off work in protest
Morung Express News
Dimapur | August 22
The police have once again been accused of high-handed action.
A COVID-19 frontline doctor was allegedly assaulted by NAP (IR) personnel in Dimapur on August 21. As a result, medical personnel at the sample collection (TrueNat Lab) centre at 7th Mile, Chümoukedima went into protest mode, abstaining from work on August 22.
As per the allegation against the police, Dr Atoka Wotsa, pathologist and incharge of the Chümoukedima TrueNat Lab, was assaulted by NAP (IR) personnel while he was on his way to his quarantine quarters on Friday night.
A doctor in Dimapur, quoting Dr Wotsa, said that the assault happened near the latter's house. The doctor forwarded a message, describing the alleged incident, from Dr Wotsa. It read, “I was assaulted by IRB personnel near my home, instead of saving me from 5 drunk guys who were drinking on the road with their car parked in middle of road and blocking me. They also damaged my car. Was on my way to Hotel Saramati after taking some clothes from home. I will be needing few days rest. Thoroughly upset and shaken.”
It did not specify the time and exact location of the incident.
The Dimapur police, when contacted, admitted the alleged incident happened but maintained that the actual turn of events can only be ascertained by a proper investigation.
A police official told The Morung Express that the incident was reported to have happened around 10-11:00pm near Faith Hospital. Citing preliminary report, he said that there was an exchange of words between Dr Wotsa and a group of youths after the former's way was found blocked by another car on the road. It reportedly got loud attracting the attention of NAP (IR) personnel patrolling nearby.
Both versions of the story was unclear on what provoked the assault as alleged by the doctor.
Further, no independent account was forthcoming as to what actually happened after the NAP (IR) personnel reached the scene.
“Inquiry is on to ascertain what actually happened,” the police official said.
The Commissioner of Police and the district Chief Medical Officer were still to officially comment on the matter.
