Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) spokesperson Reetam Singh was arrested on Saturday morning by Lakhimpur police, with assistance from Guwahati police, following a contentious social media post targeting Lakhimpur BJP MLA Manab Deka. The arrest has ignited a fierce political row, with Congress leaders decrying it as an assault on free speech and democracy, while authorities assert it was a lawful response to objectionable remarks.
The incident stems from a post Singh made on X, where he questioned the legal accountability of three senior BJP figures—Manab Deka, former Assam BJP president Bhabesh Kalita, and ex-Union Minister Rajen Gohain—referencing their alleged involvement in unresolved cases. The post, which included a news report about a rape conviction in Dhemaji, prompted Deka’s wife, Rajashree Deka, to file an FIR, accusing Singh of defamation and demanding evidence for his claims. Singh was subsequently charged under Section 356(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and provisions of the IT Act.
The arrest unfolded dramatically at Singh’s residence in Guwahati’s Ulubari area. Singh, a practicing advocate, resisted, alleging that the police failed to produce a warrant or prior notice, citing a recent Gauhati High Court ruling mandating such procedures. “I’m an officer of the court—where would I flee? This is harassment,” he posted on X, sharing images of police outside his home. Despite his protests, he was taken into custody and is being transported to Lakhimpur for further proceedings.
Congress leaders swiftly condemned the move. Deputy Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha, Gaurav Gogoi, who rushed to Singh’s residence, accused the police of manhandling him and stifling dissent. “I witnessed Reetam being dragged away on a day when Union Home Minister Amit Shah is in Assam. Is this the rule of law under Himanta Biswa Sarma?” Gogoi questioned, linking the timing to Shah’s visit for the Lachit Barphukan Police Academy inauguration. APCC president Bhupen Borah echoed the sentiment, calling the arrest a “murder of democracy” and vowing legal action.
The BJP has yet to formally respond, though party supporters argue that Singh’s remarks crossed legal boundaries. Assam police, led by Lakhimpur SP Mihirjit Gayan, defended the arrest, stating it followed due process after Rajashree Deka’s complaint. “He was detained under relevant laws for his post two days ago,” Gayan confirmed.
Singh’s arrest adds to his history of legal entanglements; in April 2024, he was detained for allegedly circulating a manipulated video of Amit Shah ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. As tensions escalate, the incident is set to fuel a heated showdown between the ruling BJP and opposition Congress in Assam’s political landscape.
