Political Tensions Rise in Guwahati with Arrest of Four Youths Over Alleged Election Leaflets

In a politically charged atmosphere in Guwahati, four youths were arrested after police seized around 10 lakh leaflets containing allegations against the BJP-led government and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. The incident, which occurred amid ongoing election campaigns, has sparked claims of political motivation from Congress leaders. They argue that the materials were intended for public distribution and that the police's actions were unwarranted. As investigations unfold, questions arise regarding the source and funding of the leaflets, highlighting the tense political climate ahead of the Assembly elections.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 9, 2026, 16:41 IST

Arrests Made Amid Political Campaigns

Guwahati, March 9: On Monday, four individuals were taken into custody in Guwahati after authorities confiscated nearly 10 lakh printed leaflets that contained accusations against the ruling BJP-led NDA government and Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. This incident occurred during the ongoing political campaigns leading up to the Assembly elections.

The arrested suspects have been named as Rekibul Haque, Joynal Abedin, Akshay Kumar Bordoloi, and Pranjit Patar.

Law enforcement officials reported that a case (No. 135/26) has been filed at the Dispur Police Station, invoking multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including Sections 61(2), 152, 175, 196, 197, and 353.

According to police, the seizure was prompted by a late-night alert regarding a truck dispute within a housing society located in the Rukmininagar area.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (East) Tabu Ram Pegu stated that the discovery was made during routine patrols, and an investigation is underway to trace the origin and intended distribution of the leaflets.

Pegu explained, “Upon inspecting the vehicle, we found a significant number of printed leaflets, approximately 10 lakh, which contained allegations against Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and were intended for widespread distribution. Given the sensitive nature of the upcoming elections and potential law-and-order issues, we initiated a case and commenced an investigation.”

He further mentioned that investigators are working to identify where the pamphlets were printed, who funded them, and how they were supposed to be distributed.

In the meantime, members of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) visited the Dispur Police Station, claiming that the police's actions were politically motivated.

Mira Borthakur, president of the Assam Pradesh Mahila Congress, stated that the confiscated leaflets were newly printed versions of a chargesheet released on February 19 during Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's recent visit to Assam.

Borthakur remarked, “The chargesheet outlines the actions and failures of the BJP government regarding the public, which was unveiled during a press conference when Priyanka Gandhi was in Assam.”

She asserted that the four youths were merely transporting printed materials when the police intervened. “Since no election code of conduct has been established yet, any issues with the material should have been assessed by the Election Commission, not the police,” she added.

Borthakur accused the authorities of attempting to hinder the distribution of these materials to the public.

“While we have respect for the Assam Police, the Chief Minister appears to be managing the police force as if it were a private entity,” she stated, calling for the immediate release of the detained individuals and indicating that the party would seek legal recourse.