Arunachalee family assaulted near Subansiri bridge in Assam; transport federation calls for boycott

An Arunachalee family was subjected to assault and derogatory remarks at Junu Hotel, situated near the Subansiri Bridge on the route from Pasighat to Itanagar. The incident occurred during what was meant to be a routine breakfast stop, turning a morning meal into a traumatic ordeal.

The trouble began when the family discovered a cooked cockroach in their vegetable curry. Upon bringing this to the attention of a staff member, believed to be around 27-28 years old, they were met not with professionalism but with derogatory language directed at their Arunachal identity.

As tensions escalated, the situation took a violent turn. Three staff members allegedly not only verbally abused the family but also physically assaulted them, including the victim's wife and a reporter named Atul Das. The assault attracted a mob mentality, with more than 30 to 35 people joining in and targeting the family's belongings.

Among the items snatched and damaged were Rs. 46,000 in cash, an iPhone 15 Pro Max belonging to the victim, and the front glass of their Bolero car. Even a dog protection gear, valued at Rs. 800, was not spared from the assault.

In a desperate attempt to escape the escalating violence, Atul Das managed to push the family into their car and drive away. However, the assailants didn't relent, with one throwing a stone that further damaged the car's front glass.

In response to this egregious incident, the victim has lodged a First Information Report (FIR) against the staff and owner of Junnu Hotel near Subansiri Bridge in Assam. The Arunachal Pradesh Public Transport Federation (AAPPTF) has also called for a boycott of the hotel, urging drivers and commuters to avoid patronizing the establishment in solidarity with the assaulted family.