‘Assam Police Acted Like BJP’s Shield,’ Congress Alleges After Rajiv Bhawan Clash

GUWAHATI: The Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) on Saturday strongly condemned what it described as “undemocratic acts” carried out at Rajiv Bhawan, the party’s state headquarters, during a protest by a section of Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) workers.

The Congress alleged that protestors targeted party workers and vandalised banners and posters during the demonstration.

In a statement, APCC General Secretary Bipul Gogoi criticised the incident and termed the alleged hooliganism “completely against the principles of democracy.” He also questioned the role of the Assam Police, alleging that the force appeared to be functioning as a protective arm of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party.

“The act of police personnel assaulting Congress workers at Rajiv Bhawan in the name of maintaining order is highly condemnable,” Gogoi said, adding that the police response raised serious concerns about impartiality.

APCC Media Department Chairman Bedabrata Bora claimed that video footage showed a police officer allegedly targeting and attacking former Congress Social Media Department Chairman Ratul Kalita.

“Such aggressive conduct by the police amounts to a violation of human rights,” Bora said, demanding that the Assam Police register a case suo motu against those responsible.

He further alleged that police failed to restrain the protestors who attacked Rajiv Bhawan but acted against Congress workers instead, raising questions over neutrality.

FIR Filed Against Senior Police Officer

Congress leader Ratul Kalita and the Assam Pradesh Youth Congress filed two separate FIRs at Bhangagarh Police Station. In his complaint, Kalita accused Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Mrinal Deka of physical assault during the incident.

In his complaint, Kalita stated:

“On February 21, 2026, at approximately 3 PM, I was present at Rajiv Bhawan when a crowd holding BJP and AGP flags arrived. When Congress workers tried to stop them, Assam Police unexpectedly attacked Congress people instead of stopping the BJP crowd.”

He further alleged:

“The accused, Mrinal Deka, approached me in an aggressive manner and physically assaulted me without provocation. One policeman strangled my neck with both hands, applying full body force.”

Kalita also alleged misconduct by male police personnel against Congress women workers and sought registration of an FIR and immediate investigation.

Additional Allegations by Congress

Congress leaders alleged that police chased and assaulted Congress workers and confiscated mobile phones. They further claimed that BJP Yuva Morcha and Assam Yuva Parishad protestors tore election campaign posters and splashed black paint on Congress vehicles.

The Congress confirmed that a case had been filed against DCP Mrinal Deka at Bhangagarh Police Station and said reactions from senior party leadership would follow, adding that the registration of the case would be closely monitored.

BJP Yuva Morcha Protest Over Rahul Gandhi Remarks

Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha, with support from the Assam Yuva Parishad, organised a protest in front of Rajiv Bhawan, accusing Congress leaders of tarnishing India’s image internationally.

In a press statement issued from the BJP Assam Pradesh headquarters, party spokesperson Pranjal Kalita alleged:

“Deriving self-satisfaction by maligning India before the eyes of the world has become a hereditary habit of the Congress.”

He accused Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge and Gaurav Gogoi, of engaging in what he described as anti-national activities and conspiracies.

Referring to the International Artificial Intelligence Summit at Bharat Mandapam on February 20, BJP leaders alleged that Congress workers embarrassed India before global representatives.

During the protest, BJYM activists burned effigies of Rahul Gandhi and raised slogans such as “Anti-national Rahul Gandhi Go Back,” “Down with Youth Congress,” and “Rahul Gandhi Murdabad.”

BJYM leaders claimed Rahul Gandhi’s actions threatened national unity and sovereignty and said India’s youth had gained global recognition under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Injuries Reported During Protest

During the protest in front of Rajiv Bhawan, Assam Yuva Parishad executive president Hrishikesh Sharma was reportedly seriously injured and was immediately admitted to Health City Hospital.

It was reported that the AGP leader suffered injuries to his hands and legs.

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