One person was seriously injured in South Garo Hills district of Meghalaya after an MLA allegedly attacked him for asking “uncomfortable” questions in public on development works in his constituency, officials said on Saturday.
According to the FIR filed at the Baghmara station, Freedom Marak sought answers from MLA Samuel Sangma about the tardy progress of development works. In a fit of rage, the MLA started beating up Mr. Marak, who was left with a swollen face and blackened eyes. Another resident was also allegedly beaten up though he did not file a complaint.
South Garo Hills SP Abraham T. Sangma said, “We have received the complaint from one person who was allegedly beaten up by the MLA himself for questioning him.”
He added, “The matter is currently under investigation and the person who was beaten up has been sent for a medical test.”
Mr. Samuel was elected as an independent candidate from Baghmara constituency in the 2013 Assembly elections.
A third-time MLA, Mr. Samuel is supporting the Congress government in the State.
The incident and the photo of Mr. Marak went viral in the social network sites.
“We condemn the attack on an innocent victim who sought to know as a voter. He [MLA] has no right to beat him up,” Civil Society Women Organisation president Agnes Kharshiing said.
“A failed MLA should be taken to task and he should be arrested,” A. Rangad, convener, Thma U Rangli-Juki TUR), a progressive people’s group, said.