'State won't spare unless ... ': NIA frames charges against Assam MLA Akhil Gogoi under UAPA for anti-CAA stir

NEW DELHI: A special National Investigation Agency court on Tuesday framed charges against Assam MLA Akhil Gogoi under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act for his alleged role in anti-Citizenship Amendment Act protests. The charges which include criminal conspiracy, promotion of enmity among others, were levelled against three other associates.

The court dismissed the UAPA Section 39, concerning support to terrorist organizations, as well as IPC Section 124A (sedition), which had been proposed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in its charge sheet.

Voicing his opinion on X, Gogoi said, The state will not spare anyone unless there is compromise and surrender. Justice here is just a dictionary word."


Terming the struggle a "fight against fascist government," Gogoi told PTI, "This again proves that we are with the people and this government wants us to be kept inside the jail. The fight against a fascist and communal government is a very troublesome and expensive affair."

"This case was closed by the NIA. But the government was after us and went to the high court and got it reopened. There was immense pressure from the government. This shows the mentality of the BJP government," he added.

He said that all four accused, which include Dhaijya Konwar, Bittu Sonowal and Manash Konwar, would approach Gauhati high court.

The NIA was looking into two cases involving Gogoi and his three associates regarding their purported involvement in the violent protests against the CAA in the state in December 2019.

He ran as an independent candidate from Sibsagar in 2021 and became the first person in Assam to win an election while being jailed. He took his oath as an MLA with special permission from the court.
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