Arrest of Congress Spokesperson Ritim Singh in Assam Sparks Political Row
CM Himanta: The arrest of Congress spokesperson Ritim Singh in Assam has deepened the political conflict. The Congress party has reacted sharply to the action taken against him for a social media post, while Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has responded with a b statement defending the arrest.
Arrest Due to Social Media Post
Congress spokesperson Ritim Singh posted on the social media platform X, questioning the status of cases filed against a former Chief Minister and two current BJP MLAs. Following this post, a complaint was filed, and Lakhimpur police, with the assistance of Guwahati police, arrested him from his home.
Congress Calls it ‘Worse than Barbarity’
Following Singh's arrest, the Congress party termed the action an attempt to suppress dissenting voices. Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh tweeted, "The arrest of my young colleague Ritim Singh for a perfectly legitimate social media post is worse than an authoritarian Chief Minister."
What is the Full Story?
In 2021, news emerged of three individuals being convicted in a rape case in Assam's Dhemaji district. Singh's post questioning this led to a complaint filed by BJP MLA Manab Deka's wife, resulting in his arrest.
CM Himanta Biswa Sarma's Counterattack
Responding to the Congress's accusations, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated, "This case involves the casteist insult of a Dalit woman. If you consider calling the husband of a Dalit woman a rapist a 'perfectly legitimate social media post,' it shows the declining mindset of the Congress."
He further added, "But bigger revelations are yet to come. By September, the Congress's senior leaders' collusion with ISI and Pakistan will also be exposed."
Congress Leader Gaurav Gogoi's Serious Allegation
Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi stated that the party spokesperson's arrest was made without a warrant or notice. He alleged that the arrest occurred on the same day that Union Home Minister Amit Shah was visiting Assam, raising questions about the government's intentions.
Gogoi said, "When I reached his home, I saw that the police had dragged him away brutally and didn't even allow me to speak to him. Despite repeated requests, my pleas were ignored."
