Guwahati, Assam: The Guwahati Police have cranked up their investigation into the alleged defamatory remarks targeting the revered Kamakhya temple, re-issuing summons after the key suspects failed to show up for questioning as scheduled. This development marks an escalation in the high-profile case that has stirred religious sentiments across the state.
The Crime Branch, operating under case number 04/2025, has invoked serious sections of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023, specifically 196(2), 299, and 302. The FIR names a television news anchor and Shrasti Raghuwanshi, identified as the sister of the late Raja Raghuvanshi, as the individuals behind the controversial statements made during a televised interview.
According to Joint Police Commissioner Ankur Jain, notices under section 35(3) of the BNSS were dispatched on June 13, instructing the accused to present themselves at the Crime Branch police station on June 23 and 24. However, much to the chagrin of the authorities, neither of the summoned individuals complied. “The IO has sent 35 (3) BNSS notice to the accused named in the FIR including the anchor of the news channel and Shrishti Raghuwanshi of Indore on 13-06-2025 to appear before the Investigation Officer at Crime Branch PS on 23 and 24 June, but they did not appear before IO till date,” Jain stated, highlighting the lack of cooperation.
The heart of the controversy lies in a television interview where the anchor allegedly uttered “unverified and highly defamatory statements” against the Maa Kamakhya Temple, a paramount Shakti Peetha and a site of immense religious significance for Hindu devotees nationwide. Police further allege that Shrishti Raghuwanshi, appearing as the interviewee and identified as Raja Raghuvanshi’s cousin sister, actively endorsed these contentious assertions during the broadcast.
The investigation gained traction following a flurry of complaints asserting that the televised remarks had overstepped journalistic boundaries and delved into the realm of defaming religious sites. Authorities have voiced considerable concern regarding the potential repercussions on community relations within the region. “The statements are against the revered temple of Hindu deity Maa Kamakhya of Assam, thereby hurting the religious sentiments of a particular community and disturbing public peace and communal harmony in the society. Hence, the case registered,” a senior police official elaborated, underscoring the gravity of the matter.
With the initial summons disregarded, the police are now deliberating on additional legal avenues to ensure the appearance of the accused for questioning. The ongoing investigation seeks to strike a delicate balance between upholding religious sensitivities and adhering to due process requirements.
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