Raijor Dal alleges police excesses during march to CM Sarma's Guwahati residence
Synopsis
Raijor Dal MLA Akhil Gogoi's black-flag march towards CM Himanta Biswa Sarma's Guwahati home ended in police detentions and serious allegations of physical assault — including a graphic injury claim involving one named worker. With police silent and allegations unverified, the incident is set to intensify Assam's already charged Opposition-versus-administration battle.
Key Takeaways
Raijor Dal alleged police excesses during a protest march towards CM Himanta Biswa Sarma 's residence in Guwahati on 8 October 2026 .
The march was called by Raijor Dal MLA Akhil Gogoi ; supporters carried black flags .
Leaders Dhairya Konwar and Bidyut Saikia were among those detained by police.
The party alleged worker Ananta Arandhara suffered a serious injury during detention; multiple others reportedly sustained head and chest injuries.
All allegations remain unverified ; Assam Police had not issued a detailed response at the time of reporting.
The incident has deepened the political confrontation between Raijor Dal and the Assam state administration .
Regional party Raijor Dal on Thursday, 8 October 2026 alleged that several of its workers were injured during police action following a protest march towards Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's residence in Guwahati. The allegations, which could not be independently verified immediately, have triggered a fresh political confrontation between the Opposition party and the state administration.
How the Protest Unfolded
The march was organised on the call of Raijor Dal MLA Akhil Gogoi, with a large number of party supporters taking to the streets carrying black flags and advancing towards the Chief Minister's residence over issues concerning the state government. Police intercepted the demonstrators as they approached the area, and tension briefly prevailed.
Among those detained were Raijor Dal leaders Dhairya Konwar and Bidyut Saikia, according to the party.
Allegations of Excessive Force
The Raijor Dal alleged that police personnel used disproportionate force while detaining its workers, resulting in injuries to several protesters. In a statement, the party claimed that one of its workers, Ananta Arandhara, suffered a serious injury to his private parts during the detention, alleging that police personnel physically assaulted him while taking him into custody.
The party further claimed that several other protesters sustained injuries to their heads and chest during the police action, and that some of the injured had not received medical treatment at the time the statement was issued. All allegations remain unverified and are the party's own claims.
State Police Yet to Respond
Police officials had not issued a detailed statement on the allegations of excessive force or the injuries claimed by the protesters at the time of reporting. The absence of an official rebuttal means the account in the public domain remains one-sided for now.
Political Context
This incident comes amid heightened political activity in Assam, with the Raijor Dal and other Opposition groups frequently raising issues against the state government and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. The Raijor Dal has now demanded accountability for the alleged injuries sustained during the detention, escalating the standoff between the party and the administration.
Notably, protest marches towards sitting chief ministers' residences have become a recurring pressure tactic by Opposition parties across several Indian states in recent years, often resulting in pre-emptive police action and subsequent allegations of excess.
Point of View
But their one-sided provenance demands scrutiny — police silence is not confirmation of wrongdoing, nor is it exoneration. What the episode does confirm is the deepening antagonism between Akhil Gogoi's party and the Sarma administration, a rivalry that has produced repeated street confrontations. Assam's political opposition has found the black-flag march an effective attention device, but the recurring cycle of march-detention-allegation risks normalising a pattern where accountability for police conduct is never decisively established. An independent inquiry, rather than competing press statements, is the only mechanism that could settle the factual record.
NationPress
8 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened during the Raijor Dal protest march in Guwahati on 8 October 2026?
Raijor Dal supporters, responding to a call by MLA Akhil Gogoi, marched towards Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's residence in Guwahati carrying black flags. Police detained several protesters as they approached the area, and the Raijor Dal subsequently alleged that police used excessive force, injuring multiple workers.
Who were detained during the Raijor Dal protest?
Raijor Dal leaders Dhairya Konwar and Bidyut Saikia were among those detained, according to the party. A large number of other party supporters were also reportedly held by police during the incident.
What specific injuries did the Raijor Dal claim its workers suffered?
The party claimed that worker Ananta Arandhara suffered a serious injury to his private parts during detention, alleging physical assault by police personnel. Several other protesters reportedly sustained injuries to their heads and chest. These allegations have not been independently verified.
Has Assam Police responded to the allegations of excessive force?
No. Assam Police had not issued a detailed statement on the allegations of excessive force or the injuries claimed by the Raijor Dal at the time of reporting. The official response, if any, is awaited.
What is the Raijor Dal and what is its political position in Assam?
The Raijor Dal is a regional political party in Assam led by MLA Akhil Gogoi, who is known for his activism and Opposition politics. The party has been a vocal critic of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's administration and regularly organises protests on issues concerning the Assam state government.
