Controversial Leader Bikash Asom Set to Appear in Court – What’s Next?

Controversial Veer Lachit Sena leader Bikash Asom surrendered to the Dispur Police on Saturday after weeks of evading arrest. Asom, who is facing several serious charges, including extortion, demanding money, and kidnapping, is set to be produced before the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) court today for legal proceedings.

The Dispur police are expected to seek 10 days’ custody of Asom in order to bring him into custody, where he will face legal proceedings related to serious accusations,

The surrender comes after a series of complaints were filed against Asom in police stations across Assam. Among the allegations is the leader’s involvement in insulting Assamese women in a social media video, which is said to have deeply hurt the cultural sentiments of the state.

These accusations have sparked widespread outrage, leading to multiple FIRs (First Information Reports) being lodged against him across the state. Police investigations have also uncovered troubling evidence linking Asom to frequent communications with known individuals involved in abductions. There are also reports that other police stations are likely to take action, with plans to take Bikash Asom into custody in the coming days.

The current case filed at Dispur Police Station—Case No. 875/25—includes charges under Sections 3(5), 140(2), and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Also Read: Assam: Veer Lachit Sena leader Bikash Asom reportedly surrenders

Asom's arrest comes after he posted on Facebook, declaring his intention to surrender while watching Zubeen Garg's final film, 'Roi Roi Binale'. His online statement failed to calm the public backlash, and instead, fueled further controversy.

Earlier, the controversial leader of the Veer Lachit Sena, has been evading arrest for several days, he wrote and released a seven-page letter from an undisclosed location. The letter was uploaded on social media, where he addressed his supporters and made several serious claims.

Asom, who has been the subject of multiple allegations, used the letter to express his frustrations about the ongoing legal and political pressure against him. It also included his defence against the charges laid out in the FIRs filed against him across Assam, while he continued to stay out of the authorities' reach.

In an explosive letter addressed to the public, Asom claimed he was being targeted politically. He alleged that his involvement in the “Justice for Zubeen Garg” movement, following the mysterious death of popular Assamese singer Zubeen Garg, had made him a victim of political harassment. Asom demanded a fair investigation into Garg's death, which occurred on September 19, but no clarity has been provided by authorities regarding the cause—whether it was an accident, negligence, or a deliberate conspiracy.

Asom further claimed that he was being attacked for asking questions about the circumstances surrounding Zubeen Garg’s death. He suggested that certain political forces were trying to discredit him by spreading false allegations, including a fabricated extortion letter demanding 15 to 20 lakh rupees. According to Asom, the letter was misunderstood. He explained that it was actually a request for financial contributions for a “Swarneg Rath” (funeral vehicle) in memory of Zubeen Garg, and that no specific amount had been mentioned.

Addressing accusations of being involved in extortion, Asom strongly denied the allegations. He stated, “No one can prove I demanded 20 lakh from anyone. This is just a conspiracy to silence me.”

Asom also responded to comments made by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who had criticized him. He questioned, “Since when did asking questions become a crime?” He further alleged that after the Chief Minister’s remarks, BJP supporters had intensified attacks on him via social media. He also suggested that government agencies were closely monitoring him, claiming that there were attempts to imprison him until the state elections.

In his letter, Asom expressed his frustration, saying, “We are not criminals or extremists. We are just asking for justice for Zubeen da. But instead of investigating his death, they are investigating us.” He also raised concerns about the recent arrest of Rantu Pani Phukan, another activist involved in the Zubeen justice movement.

It may be mentioned that Asom's arrest follows a broader crackdown on members of the Veer Lachit Sena, with Assam Police having already detained several leaders from various districts, including Nagaon, Nalbari, Sivasagar and Tinsukia on October 30.

As the legal proceedings unfold, Bikash Asom continues to maintain his innocence, blaming political forces for targeting him and attempting to undermine his efforts to seek justice for Zubeen Garg.