When News Turns Dangerous: Did a Journalist Face Intimidation for Telling the Truth?

Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) President Gaurav Gogoi has strongly condemned the alleged threats issued to a senior television journalist Rana Deka and his eight-year-old son by retired Assam government official Hitesh Dev Sarma, calling the incident “deeply disturbing” and a reflection of the “growing culture of intimidation” under the current government.

Gogoi said the repeated targeting of journalists—whether by those in power or retired officials who feel emboldened—has become “a dangerous pattern” in Assam.

“Threatening a journalist and even a child is unacceptable. Such behaviour is flourishing because those in authority have normalised hostility towards the press. Assam Police must ensure a fair and thorough investigation,” he said.

Journalist’s Complaint: “He asked what I would do if a vehicle hit me… he mentioned my child too”

In the complaint, Deka wrote that he introduced himself respectfully at the start of the call, identifying himself as the Lower Assam Bureau television journalist, a satellite news channel based in Guwahati. He then said Sarma suddenly shifted the tone and began issuing direct threats.

According to Deka’s complaint, Sarma said:

“Rana, you are in a dangerous situation. Suppose you are travelling on the highway and a vehicle hits you from behind and injures you seriously — who will you complain to? If something happens to your eight-year-old child, who will you complain to?”

Deka further said that Sarma accused both him and the channel of broadcasting a “manipulated” and “AI-edited” report concerning the unrest outside Baksa District Jail, particularly the sudden lathi-charge by ASP Gitartha Dev Sarma on peaceful protestors during the transfer of the accused in the Zubeen Garg mysterious death case, including Shyamkanu Mahanta and Siddharth Sharma.

Sarma allegedly threatened:

“I am giving you four hours. Within these four hours, you must apologise and declare that the report you aired was wrong. I am warning you — your Editor-in-Chief will go to jail for three years for this, and you will not escape either. I am making the arrangements.”

Deka wrote that Sarma had previously pressured him to broadcast news according to his instructions. He claimed that once again, Sarma used intimidation and even mentioned harming him and his family.

The journalist wrote:

“I am now genuinely fearful for my life and the safety of my family. Even stepping outside for news gathering has become frightening. I request urgent protection and action so such incidents do not recur.”

He added that the entire phone conversation is recorded and preserved.

Conversation Details: Accusation of ‘AI-Morphed Video’ Linked to Baksa Unrest

During the conversation, Sarma allegedly accused the journalist of spreading misinformation during the unrest that erupted in Baksa district while transferring accused individuals in the Zubeen Garg mysterious death case, including Shyamkanu Mahanta and Siddharth Sharma, from Guwahati to the district jail.

Sarma reportedly said:

“You did some confusing work during the Baksa riot. I have all the information. Tell me: did your channel circulate a message claiming that ASP Gitartha Dev Sarma lathi-charged peaceful protestors? You morphed a video using AI. For this, your Editor-in-Chiefhas committed a criminal offence. Both of you can be jailed.”

He claimed the video showed a peaceful crowd in the first scene and police lathi-charging in the next—insisting it was fabricated.

Deka denied the allegation, saying the private satellite channel was broadcasting a live feed, leaving no possibility of an AI-generated clip.

But Sarma allegedly continued with threats:

“You cannot go scot-free. You incited violence and made anti-government news. My son acted to maintain law and order. You have only four hours to accept the truth and apologise. Police already have your information.”

Background Allegations Referenced in the Complaint

In the complaint letter, Deka also stated that a few days earlier, Sarma had allegedly pressured him to broadcast news according to his instructions, claiming that the previous report carried by his channel was incorrect. He alleged that Sarma once again used intimidation, this time mentioning possible harm to him and his family, and warned him not to air such reports in the future—even if the information was factually correct.

Deka wrote that the threats have left him genuinely fearful for his life and the safety of his family. He added that he now feels unsafe even stepping out of his home to gather news. He urged the Baksa police to take the matter seriously to prevent such incidents from recurring and to ensure protection for him and his family.

He further mentioned that he has preserved the full phone call, along with the audio recordings of the threats, as evidence.

Gogoi: ‘A Dangerous Message Is Being Sent’

Gaurav Gogoi said incidents like these damage the democratic fabric of Assam:

“When those once in service believe they can threaten journalists with impunity, it reflects the failure of governance. This is not the Assam we want.”

Investigation Awaited

The Bajali district administration has acknowledged receipt of the complaint. Police action is awaited.

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