HT Correspondent
MARGHERITA, Nov 21: In a strongly worded press conference held on Friday evening at the Multi-Purpose Industrial Bhawan in Jayanagar, Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS) Margherita Sub-District Branch General Secretary Pabitra Borgohain denied what he described as “baseless, malicious and defamatory” allegations against him and the organisation.
Borgohain said that a news report circulated by three individuals—Jharna Dey of Segunbari, journalist Manish Dutta and web portal owner Md Sharif of Tinsukia—had falsely claimed that the Red Cross branch illegally encroached upon and demolished a shop owned by Jharna Dey on land allegedly donated to the Society.
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Clarifying the matter, he stated that noted social workers Keshavananda Goswami and Brahmananda Goswami had voluntarily donated one katha of land (Dag No 245, Patta No 341) at Jayanagar exclusively for constructing the Red Cross office. He alleged that Jharna Dey had forcefully occupied the land and was now circulating “fabricated and misleading information” to obstruct the project.
Calling the published report “motivated and one-sided,” Borgohain confirmed that the IRCS Margherita Sub-District Branch has lodged an FIR at Margherita Police Station against the three individuals for spreading false information and criminal defamation. He added that civil defamation proceedings will also be initiated soon.
Borgohain said the Red Cross remains committed to serving vulnerable communities and asserted that such attempts to malign the organisation would not deter its humanitarian work. The incident has sparked widespread discussion in the Margherita Co-District, with many residents expressing support for the Red Cross branch and condemning efforts to discredit the long-standing voluntary organisation.
