Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi Appeals to PM Modi Over Alleged Financial Irregularities at Assam Cooperative Apex Bank
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Synopsis
On March 30, Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi urged Prime Minister Modi for a thorough investigation into alleged financial irregularities at Assam Cooperative Apex Bank, citing concerns over press freedom and recent journalist arrests.
Key Takeaways
- Gaurav Gogoi calls for an inquiry into Assam Cooperative Apex Bank.
- Concerns raised about press freedom suppression in Assam.
- Allegations of financial misconduct at the bank.
- Involvement of state government in journalist arrests.
- Need for independent investigation and accountability.
New Delhi, March 30 (NationPress) Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi has addressed a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi requesting an investigation into the purported financial irregularities at Assam Cooperative Apex Bank.
The correspondence, dated March 20, was shared by Gogoi on his X account on Sunday. “I have sent a letter to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji emphasizing the necessity for an inquiry into the financial irregularities at Assam Cooperative Apex Bank as the state government is engaged in arresting and intimidating the Assamese media,” Gogoi mentioned on X.
In his letter, he referenced the detention of a senior journalist, asserting that “the ongoing events raise serious questions regarding the bank’s operations, the misuse of legal provisions, and the suppression of press freedom in Assam.”
Gogoi noted in the letter that on March 25, 2025, the journalist was covering a protest outside the Assam State Co-operative Apex Bank when police detained him.
The Congress leader pointed out that the Chief Minister of Assam serves as the Director while BJP MLA Shri Biswajit Phukan is the Chairman. “The initial reasons for his arrest included false claims of caste-based abuse, which were disproven when the Magistrate found no supporting evidence in the informant's statement. Despite receiving bail, he was re-arrested the following day under inflated charges of robbery and trespassing to steal confidential documents from the bank. These actions strongly suggest an effort to silence a journalist reporting on alleged irregularities,” the letter states.
Gogoi asserts in the letter that media reports indicate that the bank has been functioning without a formal contract with any IT vendor since June 2024, raising significant security and operational issues.
“Reportedly, banking infrastructure expenses skyrocketed from Rs 28 crores in 2018 to nearly Rs 150 crores in 2025, with Rs 14 crores allegedly directed to KPMG under questionable circumstances. A complaint was reportedly lodged with the Central Vigilance Commission on January 30, but the state government has not responded. In a directive on March 3, the Assam government’s Cooperation Department instructed the Registrar of Cooperative Societies to probe the allegations and submit a report within 15 days. However, protestors dismissed this as a mere formality, accusing the government of protecting those implicated,” Gogoi notes in the letter.
“In light of these alarming developments, I urge you to commence an independent investigation into the Assam State Co-operative Apex Bank, including a thorough financial audit and governance review. Additionally, the misuse of police authority in the arbitrary arrest of journalist Dilwar Hussain Mozumder must be examined to guarantee accountability. It is essential to uphold press freedom and avert the wrongful targeting of journalists covering matters of public interest. This issue transcends one journalist – it strikes at the foundation of our democracy, the transparency of financial institutions, and the safeguarding of constitutional rights. Your prompt intervention is vital to ensure justice, hold those accountable, and restore public trust in institutions,” the letter concludes.
