Guwahati: Senior Congress leader Debabrata Saikia has filed a complaint with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) against the Assam government, raising concerns over alleged lapses in law and order during the violent unrest outside Baksa District Jail.
The complaint comes after clashes erupted on October 15 when five individuals arrested in connection with the Zubeen Garg death case were brought to the jail. Protesters reportedly set vehicles on fire and pelted stones at the convoy, prompting Assam Police to use baton charges and tear gas. Several civilians and journalists were injured during the disturbances.
Saikia, the Leader of Opposition in the Assam Assembly, alleged that the authorities violated provisions under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, and demanded accountability. He highlighted that no magisterial or judicial inquiry has been initiated following the incident.
In the complaint, Saikia claimed that police resorted to lathi-charge, tear gas shelling, and even live firing on protestors, reportedly without prior public warning. He emphasised that BNSS Sections 149 and 150 require prior warning and documented directives before the use of armed forces in emergency situations.
Saikia also pointed out that BNSS Section 196 mandates a magisterial inquiry in cases of death or serious injury during police action. He argued that the absence of documentation and video recording constitutes a breach of accountability standards, questioning whether the state authorities properly evaluated the situation or issued lawful directives before resorting to force.
The NHRC has accepted the complaint and assigned a diary number for further investigation, signalling the start of a formal inquiry into the events outside Baksa District Jail.
