Assam Police Detain Ashutosh Ranka and 30 Volunteers Ahead of Political Meeting

In a significant escalation of tensions surrounding political activities in Assam, Ashutosh Ranka, the convenor of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), along with nearly 30 volunteers, was detained by police on Sunday. The detentions occurred as they were en route to a scheduled meeting in Dispur, which was set to take place on private property.

Prior to the meeting, Ranka took to social media to share his concerns, posting a video that showed one of his volunteers being stopped and taken away in a police vehicle. He remarked on the extensive police presence, claiming that the road leading to the meeting venue was heavily barricaded. Ranka further alleged that Assam Police were prepared with tear gas to disperse any gathering, emphasizing the lack of access for supporters trying to reach the site.

“The entire road leading to the meet-up site has been barricaded from both sides. Assam Police is ready with tear gas,” he stated, expressing his frustration over the police’s actions. He urged Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to explain why the government seemed intimidated by the CJP’s initiatives. The political campaign aimed to discuss what Ranka termed as the “reality of the state’s schools,” hinting at a need for greater public awareness regarding educational issues in Assam.

Ranka was subsequently seen being transported in a police vehicle to an undisclosed location, indicating the serious nature of the confrontations. His continued calls for clarity from the state leadership reflect a growing discontent among political groups regarding government responses to dissent.

This incident highlights the ongoing struggles faced by opposition parties in Assam, where political gatherings and campaigns are often met with heavy-handed responses from law enforcement. The CJP’s determination to shed light on local issues such as education could resonate with many residents, raising questions about governance and public policy in the state.

Source: scroll.in