Selective justice? While BJP workers who attacked police officers roam free, Assam Congress leader Reetam Singh is arrested for questioning law enforcement. Opposition leaders call it political vendetta. Get the latest updates!”
BY PC Bureau
Gauhati High Court advocate and Assam Congress spokesperson Reetam Singh was arrested by Lakhimpur police on Saturday over a social media post critical of Lakhimpur BJP MLA Manab Deka. The arrest has sparked widespread outrage, with Congress, AAP, and journalists condemning the Assam government, accusing it of stifling free speech.
In a post before his arrest, Singh alleged that the police were “threatening force and entry” and claimed he had repeatedly asked for a notice or search warrant under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). He also referred to a Gauhati High Court order dated March 7, 2025, which he said he had informed both the Lakhimpur police and the Director General of Assam Police about.
“Police have not informed me of anything. They only said there is a case of a cognizable offence against me and that they have come to take me into custody,” Singh told reporters.
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He further explained that his social media post questioned the Assam Police’s inaction regarding a case registered against MLA Manab Deka at Basistha police station.
“A case was registered against MLA Manab Deka at Basistha police station. I posted about it on social media, asking what action Assam Police had taken against him,” Singh said.
Political Outrage and Accusations of Police Misuse
Singh’s arrest has triggered a major political controversy, with Congress leaders accusing the BJP-led Assam government of weaponizing law enforcement to silence opposition voices.
Reetam Singh, APCC spokesperson, was arrested by Lakhimpur police for making objectionable comments against MLA Manab Deka and his family on social media.
The arrest followed an FIR filed by MLA Manab Deka’s wife, Rajashree Deka.
Singh had been updating his social media… pic.twitter.com/mDVAZ8w42U
— The Assam Tribune (@assamtribuneoff) March 15, 2025
Senior Congress leader and MP Gaurav Gogoi condemned the arrest, calling it a blatant example of the BJP government’s authoritarianism.
“A team from Lakhimpur police arrived in Guwahati to arrest Congress spokesperson Reetam Singh. When I reached his residence, I witnessed his brutal removal, and I was denied any opportunity to speak with him. Despite my repeated requests, the police refused to let me communicate with him,” Gogoi said.
He also took aim at Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who was inaugurating a police academy in Dergaon at the time, accusing him of turning a blind eye to the alleged political misuse of the Assam Police.
“Is Amit Shah aware of how police powers are being blatantly misused under Himanta Biswa Sarma? Just days ago, BJP workers violently attacked two Assam police constables in broad daylight, yet no action was taken. Why weren’t those perpetrators arrested? But when a Congress leader posts something online, the police rush to arrest him as if he were a hardened criminal,” he added.
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Gogoi also voiced concerns about the declining integrity of the Assam Police, blaming CM Himanta Biswa Sarma for pressuring law enforcement into making politically motivated arrests.
“The Assam Police are being forced to act against political opponents, damaging their reputation and exposing themselves to legal risks. The Supreme Court has consistently instructed police to operate within the bounds of the law, yet the Chief Minister continues to use them for political retribution,” Gogoi asserted.
Gogoi further questioned the police’s selective approach to law enforcement, contrasting their inaction during the assault on two constables in Nagaon with their swift action against Singh.
“Where were the police when their own officers were brutally attacked in Nagaon? Why was there no immediate action against BJP goons? But when it comes to opposition leaders, they act with remarkable speed? The BJP is sending a dangerous message—stay silent when their workers attack police officers, but act swiftly against political opponents,” Gogoi said.
As the controversy escalates, Congress leaders have vowed to take the issue to the national level, demanding intervention from the judiciary and human rights organizations.
Assam Congress president Bhupen Borah slammed the BJP government, calling it “desperate and intolerant.”
“This is nothing but an attempt to silence voices that question the BJP’s actions. Reetam Singh’s arrest proves that this government cannot tolerate criticism,” Borah said.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) also condemned the arrest, with Assam unit chief Bhaben Choudhury calling it “a grim reminder that democracy is under threat in Assam.”
“Instead of arresting those who incite violence, the police are going after those who ask questions. This is a dangerous trend,” Choudhury stated.
Prominent journalist and human rights activist Sanjoy Hazarika also warned that such actions set a dangerous precedent.
“Arresting a lawyer and political spokesperson over a social media post sends a chilling message to critics of the government. This is a clear attempt to intimidate opposition voices,” Hazarika said.
Meanwhile, the Assam government has remained silent on the matter, with no official statement from the Chief Minister or the Assam Police regarding the arrest.
