Journalist's role in the incident unethical: Assam CM

Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on Monday said the role of a local journalist, who has been accused by RTI activist Akhil Gogoi of instigating the assault on a girl outside a city pub, was "unethical".

"This was a case of unethical journalism. It is all right to film the incident as a part of his professional duty, but as part of his social responsibility, the journalist should have informed the police," Gogoi told reporters outside the assembly on the first day of the five-day monsoon session.

"The media blames the government and particularly the police on all accounts but journalists too have a responsible role to play in society and in this particular case, they have failed miserably," the chief minister added.

He further said that he was ready to meet the girl who was molested by anti-social elements on July 9 on a busy city street and was keen to ensure her rehabilitation.

Asked why he did not meet the members of the National Commission for Women who had visited Guwahati, Gogoi said it was their responsibility to meet the chief minister but "I don't understand why the meeting did not take place. I was open to meeting them".

"As the home minister, I admit that the incident was unfortunate and we will take strong steps against the anti-social elements," Gogoi said.

"To analyse the crime situation in the state, I have asked for data from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences and steps will be taken accordingly," he added.

The chief minister also admitted that there were lapses on the part of the police, primarily because there is shortage of staff in the city's police force.

Gogoi expressed full faith in the police force and said, "I am confident that all the culprits would be brought to book soon".