Assam Police Personnel Suspended Over Ambulance Incident During CM's Convoy

In a recent incident in Silchar, four Assam Police officers were suspended after an ambulance was stopped to allow Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's convoy to pass. The Chief Minister later apologized, calling the situation 'unacceptable' and emphasizing that emergency services should never be compromised. Despite clarifications that the ambulance was not carrying a patient, the incident has sparked discussions about the protocols governing convoy movements. The police have initiated a departmental inquiry to address the matter and ensure accountability among the personnel involved.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 1, 2026, 11:46 IST

Incident Overview

Silchar, Oct 1: Four members of the Assam Police were suspended on Wednesday following an incident where an ambulance was halted to allow the convoy of Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma to pass through Silchar.

Details of the Incident

The suspended officers include two sub-inspectors and two constables. A departmental inquiry has been initiated regarding the matter.

This event occurred on the bypass road in the Ramnagar area as the Chief Minister's convoy was en route to the Assam Secretariat in Srikona. A video capturing the moment went viral on social media, showing an ambulance being stopped while the convoy proceeded.

Chief Minister's Response

Dr. Sarma later expressed his regret for the incident on X, labeling it as 'unacceptable' and emphasizing that the movement of his convoy should never interfere with emergency medical services.

He stated, 'Today an ambulance was stopped for my convoy in Silchar. This is unacceptable for any reason. Apologies to the patient and his family for this incident.'

Clarifications and Further Actions

Despite the Chief Minister's apology, Cachar Police clarified that the ambulance was not transporting a patient. The driver reportedly indicated that he had chosen to wait as there was no emergency.

However, Dr. Sarma maintained that this did not alter the fundamental principle that emergency services and citizens should not be hindered by his convoy's movement. He instructed the police to investigate and hold accountable those responsible.

Police Statement

Cachar Senior Superintendent of Police Partha Pratim Das confirmed the immediate suspension of the four personnel pending the inquiry.

He stated, 'All personnel had been clearly instructed to prevent public inconvenience during convoy movement. Additional SPs and Deputy SPs have also been warned to ensure strict supervision.'

Das emphasized that government directives clearly state that emergency vehicles should not be halted for convoy movements in the interest of the public.

'We take this matter seriously, and responsibility will be fixed through the enquiry,' he added.

An officer of Additional Superintendent of Police rank has also been cautioned to ensure strict oversight of convoy arrangements, according to police reports.

Chief Minister's Visit

On the day of the incident, the Chief Minister was in Silchar to assess developmental projects in the Barak Valley and to campaign for his party's candidates in the upcoming Silchar Municipal Corporation election. He had previously visited the newly constructed Assam Secretariat in the Barak Valley.