Assam Congress spokesperson Reetam Singh arrested over social media publish concentrating on BJP leaders | India Information – The Instances of India

Assam Congress spokesperson Reetam Singh was arrested on Saturday for a social media publish questioning the authorized standing of circumstances in opposition to three senior BJP leaders, triggering a political storm within the state. Singh was taken into custody from his dwelling in Guwahati by a crew from Lakhimpur police, assisted by Guwahati police.
Lakhimpur Superintendent of Police Mihirjit Gayan confirmed the arrest, stating it adopted a criticism by the spouse of BJP MLA Manab Deka concerning a publish Singh made on X (previously Twitter) two days in the past.
The controversial publish
On March 13, Singh shared a information report about three people convicted in a 2021 rape case in Dhemaji district and requested whether or not BJP leaders Manab Deka, former Assam BJP chief Bhabesh Kalita, and ex-minister Rajen Gohain—whom he known as “rape accused” in his publish—would additionally face justice.
“Is the regulation equal for all?” Singh wrote, tagging BJP Assam’s official deal with.
Kalita, who stepped down as Assam BJP president in January, is an MLA together with Deka, whereas Gohain beforehand served as Minister of State for Railways in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s first time period.
Excessive-drama arrest, Congress calls it “political vendetta”
Singh’s arrest was met with resistance. He initially refused to go away his residence, claiming no warrant or authorized discover was served. Visuals shared on social media confirmed a heavy police presence exterior his Ulubari condo.
Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi rushed to Singh’s dwelling, accusing the police of dragging him away whereas refusing to let him converse.
“A crew of Lakhimpur police got here to Guwahati to take Congress spokesperson @SinghReetam. After I reached his residence, I noticed how he was brutally dragged away and never allowed to talk,” Gogoi wrote on X.
He linked the arrest to Union Residence Minister Amit Shah’s go to to Assam on the identical day, asking whether or not Shah was conscious of what he known as “the misuse of police” below Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
“The BJP authorities is arresting opposition leaders, whereas BJP thugs who beat up two Assam constables in broad daylight roam free,” Gogoi alleged.
Singh calls arrest “unlawful”
Earlier than being taken away, Singh posted footage of the police exterior his dwelling, stating they’d no authorized grounds to arrest him.
“I confirmed them the current Gauhati Excessive Court docket judgment requiring police to serve a discover earlier than an arrest. I’m an advocate and can adjust to any investigation, however I gained’t go if this can be a politically motivated act,” Singh wrote.
He additionally referenced a March 7 ruling by Justice Mridul Kumar Kalita, stating that any arrest with out discover can be contempt of courtroom.
BJP but to reply
Because the Congress stepped up its assault on the Assam authorities, the BJP has but to subject a press release on Singh’s arrest. Nonetheless, sources within the celebration dismissed the opposition’s claims, calling it an “try to protect defamation below free speech.”
Singh is at the moment being taken to Lakhimpur for additional authorized proceedings.