Guwahati, August 30, 2024 — Sivasagar MLA and Raijor Dal Chief Akhil Gogoi has accused the Assam police of harassment after a printing press, which he had engaged to produce satirical cartoons of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, was reportedly raided and seized. The raid has sparked a fresh controversy, with Gogoi alleging that the authorities are attempting to suppress dissent.
According to Gogoi, the police conducted a search operation at the printing press following the seizure of the two cartoon posters. He also claimed that both his phone and that of Raijor Dal leader Bhasco De Saikia have been tapped by the police. Saikia’s news portal, Crosscurrent, was reportedly visited by the police as well.
Expressing his frustration on social media platform X, Gogoi wrote, “Search operation has been ordered on a printing press for printing the two cartoons by tapping my phone and Bhasco De Saikia. Now, police have been sent to Bhasco’s @Crosscurrent_in. Does this give an idea of the real situation? What are your thoughts on this? Please comment.”
Gogoi, who is currently undergoing treatment at Gauhati Medical College Hospital (GMCH), had intended to protest against the government during the final day of the Assam Assembly session. Despite feeling better, he claimed that doctors refused to discharge him, forcing him to miss the session.
In a Facebook post, Gogoi further accused Chief Minister Sarma of engaging in “Miya” politics— a term often used to describe political tactics focused on communal issues. He alleged that Sarma is diverting attention from real issues out of fear of losing the upcoming 2026 Assam Assembly elections.
The allegations have added to the ongoing tensions between Gogoi and the Assam government, raising concerns over freedom of expression and political dissent in the state.
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