Guwahati — The Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) has formally complained to the Election Commission of India (ECI) regarding alleged bias and inaction by the Superintendent of Police (SP) in Nagaon district during the ongoing campaign for the upcoming bye-election in the Samaguri constituency, scheduled for November 13.
In a memorandum submitted to the Chief Election Commissioner, the APCC detailed multiple incidents where their candidate, Tanzil Hussain, and party workers reportedly faced violence while campaigning. The complaint highlights that over 100 Congress vehicles were damaged, and several party members sustained injuries during recent attacks involving iron rods, stones, and other weapons. The APCC claims that despite these alarming incidents, the Nagaon SP has failed to take necessary preventive or corrective measures, allowing the attacks to continue without intervention.
The APCC outlined specific incidents, including a reported raid on October 26, where police from the Samaguri Police Station allegedly entered the home of Congress worker Arafat Ali without a search warrant. This action raises legal concerns, as Ali’s residence falls under the jurisdiction of the Khatowal Police Station. Additionally, on October 27, two locals, Ariful Islam and Ijajul Hoque, were reportedly detained by individuals in civilian clothes claiming to be police officers, with no arrest memos issued in these cases, contributing to a climate of fear among local residents and Congress supporters.
The memorandum asserts that the Nagaon administration has demonstrated “extreme partisanship” throughout the election campaign, making it “impossible” for Congress to conduct a fair campaign in Samaguri. The APCC warns that the current conditions jeopardize the integrity of the upcoming elections, raising serious concerns about the possibility of a free and fair electoral process.
In light of these issues, the APCC has called upon the ECI to take immediate action by transferring the Nagaon SP and the Officers-in-Charge of the Rupahi and Samaguri Police Stations. The party argues that such a move is essential to restore impartiality in law enforcement and to create a safe environment for the electoral process.
The ongoing situation underscores the heightened tensions in the lead-up to the bye-elections, as political parties and their supporters navigate a complex and charged campaign environment.