Prasanna Rabha Apologizes to Pratidin Time Journalist After Detention Incident

Prasanna Rabha, the dairy farmer, from Assam’s Udalguri district, in whose house Pratidin Time journalists were detained earlier today, has now extended a formal apology to them.

It may be mentioned that, journalist Musaddiq Hussain and cameraperson Babu Riyan were detained and threatened by locals in Batabari village under Bhergaon Police Station, Udalguri, while reporting on a story related to alleged illegal possession of Gir cows. The duo had gone to the village on an assignment to investigate leads about suspected illegal cattle trade. Acting on directions from Pratidin Time Editor-in-Chief Nitumoni Saikia, the journalist reached Batabari following reports of Gir cows being held unlawfully.

As per sources, the intervention of the Rabha Students’ Union (RSU) played a key role in de-escalating the situation, facilitating reconciliation between the two parties. As a gesture of remorse, Prasanna Rabha not only apologized to Hussain personally but also issued a formal apology to the entire Pratidin Time group.
Speaking to Pratidin Time, Prasanna Rabha said, “The incident that took place in my house today, in my absence, is highly condemnable.”

When asked from where he acquired the gir cows, Rabha said, “I would like to clarify a few things. The gir cows in question belong to Basanta Sarania, a resident of Changsari. He had kept the Gir cows at Mohoripara. While searching for cows for my farm, I came to know about these Gir cows being kept there. When I visited the location, I saw the cows in extremely poor condition. I was also told that some of them were weak and might be available for purchase if the owner was willing. The condition of the animals deeply disturbed me. The very next day, I returned with some medicines and essential supplies for the cows. That was when I first met the owner, Basanta Sarania.”

“I want to request the authorities to understand that we are ordinary citizens. The way this situation has escalated, I have suddenly been labelled as 'absconding'. Let me be clear, I brought these cows around five to six months ago. I have not made any profit from them. In fact, I have spent lakhs of rupees so far, and the investment has brought me nothing in return,” he added..

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