Indigenous Rights Activist Pranab Doley Arrested in Guwahati

Arrest of Activist Pranab Doley

Guwahati, June 12: Pranab Doley, an activist advocating for indigenous rights and a former independent candidate for the Assembly, was apprehended by Assam Police in Guwahati on Sunday. This arrest is linked to a criminal case filed at the Bokakhat Police Station.

Authorities at Dispur Police Station confirmed the arrest, indicating that a team from Bokakhat was en route to Guwahati to take Doley into their custody.

"We have detained him. I cannot provide further details about this case. The Bokakhat Police are on their way to Guwahati, and we will transfer him to them," stated a police official.

As per police documentation, Doley faces charges under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including Sections 61(2), 62, 74, 121, 121(1), 121(2), 132, 190, 191(2), 191(3), 221, 324(2), 326(g), 329(3), and 351(3), related to a case registered on June 29 at Bokakhat Police Station.

Police apprehended Doley at a residence in the Sundarpur locality of Guwahati, where he was reportedly visiting a friend.

While being escorted, Doley claimed that he was being taken without an arrest warrant. He expressed his frustration, stating, "They are taking me away without any warrant, like hooligans. We can no longer work peacefully."

Doley is anticipated to be transferred to Bokakhat once the police team from that district arrives in Guwahati to formally take custody of him.

This arrest follows Doley's recent public comments regarding the Ingle Pathar issue at Hatikhuli in Kaziranga.

He has been vocally opposing the alleged reallocation of land in Ingle Pathar and Hatikhuli, areas adjacent to Kaziranga National Park, which were reportedly reclassified and given to a hospitality firm without consulting the long-term residents and farmers.

Last November, Doley represented India at the 14th United Nations Forum on Business and Human Rights held at the Palais des Nations in Geneva.

As of the time of this report, Assam Police had not provided additional information regarding the specific allegations against Doley.