Assam: Akhil Gogoi highlights discrepancy in state encounter deaths

Sivasagar MLA Akhil Gogoi on February 12 raised questions regarding the discrepancy in the number of deaths reported in encounters during chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's tenure.

According to the state government's records, 36 people have been killed in encounters. However, police records show 56 deaths. Gogoi addressed this issue on the floor of the House, stating his concern about the increasing number of encounters, fake encounters, and custodial deaths since the BJP came into power. 

He also mentioned that he has been continuously raising this issue, which he considers a significant drawback in a democracy. Gogoi further added that encounters are a symbol of the destruction of democracy and fall under illegal activities. 

He questioned the total number of encounter cases and deaths since May 10, 2021. The response he received indicated 36 deaths due to extra-judicial killings, also referred to as killings in police's hands. 

However, according to the information Gogoi received, 83 people have been killed in extra-judicial killings. The Assam Police, meanwhile, reported a total of 56 deaths due to judicial killings.

Also read: Manipur: Missing man found dead with bullet wounds at Molham Karong Ching