Guwahati: Assam Member of Parliament Gaurav Gogoi has addressed a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressing his concerns regarding the case involving the Assam State Co-operative Apex Bank and the contentious arrest of Dilwar Hussain Mazumdar.
The incident, which occurred on March 25, has ignited public outrage and raised significant issues regarding the bank’s operations, the potential misuse of legal frameworks, and the infringement of press freedom in Assam.
In his correspondence with PM Modi, MP Gogoi called for an impartial investigation into the workings of the Assam State Co-operative Apex Bank, advocating for a comprehensive financial audit and a review of its governance. He also requested a thorough inquiry into the alleged misuse of police authority in the arbitrary detention of Dilwar, emphasizing the need for accountability and the safeguarding of press freedoms.
Gogoi noted that Mazumdar, a journalist for The Cross Current, was reporting on a protest outside the Assam State Co-operative Apex Bank, where Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma holds the position of Director and BJP MLA Biswajit Phukan serves as Chairman.
The MP recounted that when the journalist sought a statement from the bank’s Managing Director, Shri Dombru Saikia, he was invited into the premises. However, the situation took a troubling turn when he was subsequently detained by the Pan Bazar Police Station without any valid reason, as stated in the letter.
Gogoi further mentioned that the journalist faced accusations of caste-based abuse, which were dismissed by the Magistrate due to a lack of evidence in the informant’s testimony.
Emphasizing that these actions appear to be an effort to silence a journalist investigating alleged misconduct, Gogoi remarked, “Even after being granted bail, he was re-arrested the following day under inflated charges of robbery and trespassing to steal confidential documents from the bank.”
He also referenced media reports highlighting serious allegations against the Assam State Co-operative Apex Bank, including claims that it has been functioning without a formal contract with an IT vendor since June 2024.
Banking infrastructure expenses reportedly increased from 28 crores in 2018 to almost Rs 50 crores by 2025, with 14 crores allegedly directed to KPMG under questionable circumstances. A complaint was said to have been filed with the Central Vigilance Commission on January 30, yet the state government has not responded, according to the letter.
In light of escalating criticism, the Cooperation Department of the Assam government has directed the Registrar of Cooperative Societies to investigate these claims and provide a report by March 18, 2025. Nevertheless, many demonstrators have dismissed this action as a mere formality, claiming that the government is protecting those implicated.
Gogoi stressed the importance of safeguarding journalists who cover issues of public significance, asserting that this matter strikes at the heart of democracy—ensuring transparency in financial institutions and safeguarding constitutional rights.
“The prompt intervention of the relevant authorities is essential to deliver justice, restore public confidence in our institutions, and uphold the fundamental rights of both journalists and citizens,” Gogoi stated in his letter.
