NIA Raids Akhil Gogoi's House In Guwahati Days After Arresting Him Under UAPA

The National Investigation Agency on Thursday carried out searches at the residence of RTI activist and peasant leader Akhil Gogoi, who was arrested by the agency earlier this month, officials said. Gogoi, whose custody was to end on Friday, has been booked under various sections of Indian Penal Code and stringent Unlawful (Activities) Prevention Act, the officials said.

The activist, who also gives advice to various farmer organisations, was arrested when Assam was witnessing widespread protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act.

Gogoi was arrested on December 12 in Jorhat under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act or UAPA amid widespread violent protests in the state and was later handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

The Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS) leader was brought to the city from Jorhat amid tight security and was produced at the court, which remanded him to 10-day NIA custody.

The court also directed the NIA to ensure regular medical checkup of Gogoi, and allow his family members and lawyers to meet.

As the firebrand leader was being taken to the court, he shouted at waiting journalists that he has been subjected to “prochondo atyachar (extreme torture)”.

“The agitation must not stop. I appeal to people to continue the protests till the law is repealed,” he continued as security personnel rushed him to the courtroom.