Responding to the tragic death of Congress worker Mridul Islam during the Raj Bhavan protest on December 18, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced a formal police probe into the incident. The chief minister made the announcement via his social media handle, assuring a thorough investigation into the matter.
In his post, Sarma stated that an FIR would be registered and the inquiry would include an analysis of video footage from the protest. He further declared that future demonstrations near Raj Bhavan would no longer be permitted, with a designated protest area allocated to ensure public safety and order.
The protest, which was marred by clashes, also saw violence against journalists covering the event. Several reporters sustained injuries, prompting the Gauhati Press Club (GPC) to condemn the police action. The GPC called on media personnel to wear black badges as a mark of protest against the alleged assault on press freedom.
Mridul Islam’s death has sparked widespread outrage across Assam, with civil society groups and opposition leaders raising concerns over democratic rights and the alleged excessive use of police force. Questions have also been raised about the treatment of journalists during the protest and the government’s overall handling of the situation.
The Chief Minister, who was on an official visit to Bhutan at the time of the incident, is expected to return to Guwahati today. He is likely to address the issue in a crucial cabinet meeting, where discussions on the incident and its broader implications are anticipated.