The death of Mridul Islam, a 45-year-old Congress Legal Cell secretary, during a protest march in Guwahati has sparked allegations of conspiracy from opposition parties in Assam. The Congress declared him the “first martyr” of its anti-corruption movement and demanded swift action against those responsible. The incident occurred during a “Raj Bhawan Chalo” protest organized by the Congress on Wednesday, which drew thousands of participants. The demonstration aimed to highlight issues such as the unrest in Manipur, allegations of bribery involving the Adani Group, the state’s implementation of smart meters, and the “One Nation, One Election” proposal.
Tensions escalated when protesters breached police barricades in an attempt to reach the Raj Bhavan. In response, police deployed tear gas to disperse the crowd, resulting in chaotic scenes. Islam reportedly collapsed during the clash and was rushed to Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), where he was pronounced dead. Opposition leaders termed the incident a deliberate conspiracy and demanded an independent investigation. “This tragic loss underscores the state’s disregard for democratic protests,” a senior opposition leader stated.
Congress leaders mourned Islam’s death, emphasizing his role in the movement. “Mridul Islam was a dedicated member of our Legal Cell. His sacrifice will inspire our fight for justice and accountability,” said a Congress spokesperson.
