"Dilwar Hussain's brother is an established land broker": Himanta Biswa Sarma

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on April 1 launched a scathing attack on journalist Dilwar Hussain, who was recently released from jail in connection with the Apex Bank controversy. The Chief Minister alleged that Hussain’s family has deep-rooted involvement in land brokerage and questioned his credibility as a journalist.

Speaking on the matter, CM Sarma stated, "Dilwar Hussain’s brother is a well-established land broker. He was arrested in 2021, and a chargesheet was filed against him. However, despite the charges, he managed to secure a teaching position at a school, and the government did not suspend him. This clearly indicates how deeply embedded they are, operating below the government’s radar."

Further intensifying his remarks, the Chief Minister asserted that Dilwar Hussain does not uphold the values of journalism and suggested that a visit to his residence in Hojai would reveal the extent of his family’s notoriety in the land brokerage business.

Earlier, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on March 31 while speaking to the press regarding Dilwar Hussain and Mahbubul Haque, asserted that the Apex Bank is a state institution and does not function at the behest of any individual.

Speaking at an event in Biswanath, the CM Sarma emphasized that BJP was established to counter individuals like Dilwar Hussain, stating that his government will take all necessary action within the legal framework.

"The Apex Bank is a national institution of Assam, and it does not operate at Dilwar's command. Just because he claims there is corruption, does it automatically mean corruption exists?" Sarma questioned. He further highlighted that while the bank has progressed with new ATMs and modern technology, these advancements are ignored by Dilwar and his supporters.

The Chief Minister also pointed out that some people in Assam tend to believe whatever Dilwar Hussain says, despite facts showing otherwise. He reiterated the BJP’s commitment to eliminating individuals like Dilwar Hussain, reinforcing the party’s stance on governance and accountability.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who had earlier claimed that Mazumdar was not a "recognised" reporter as per the government norms, maintained that he has no problem with any scribe writing against him, but if a journalist "engages in other activities, law is equal for all".