Akhil Gogoi & his associates have not committed any terrorist act: NIA court

GUWAHATI: Dismissing all charges against jailed Sibsagar legislator Akhil Gogoi today, the Guwahati-based special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court said that Gogoi and his associates have not committed any terrorist act endangering India's unity, integrity, or sovereignty.

Gogoi and his associates--Dhairjya Konwar, Manash Konwar, and Bittu Sonowal -- have been absolved after one and a half years of being in jail.

here are clear findings in the judgment that Akhil Gogoi's speech cannot be held responsible for inciting violence, and that there is no evidence linking Gogoi to vandalism and property destruction that occurred during the CAA agitation.

The court pointed out that in a democracy, protests can take the shape of bandhs and blockades, and that if they are not accompanied by violence, they are not terrorist acts.

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The court also found no evidence that Gogoi made any disparaging remarks about India's unity, integrity, or sovereignty.

It is unfortunate for our democracy that political opponents are silenced by bogus accusations, and Gogoi and his companions have been deprived of their personal liberty for exercising democratic rights.

Akhil Gogoi was arrested in December 2019 from Jorhat under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, (UAPA) for his alleged role in violent anti-CAA protests and probable nexus with the Maoists based on two cases filed in Chabua and Chandmari Police Stations.

Earlier this day, Gogoi was brought to the court at around 10 am and the NIA court discharged him from all the charges.

After his release, the leader visited CAA agitation martyr Sam Stefford's family.

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