Congress MP Rakibul Hussain and his personal security officers were assaulted by a group of masked men Thursday afternoon in Assam’s Nagaon district while traveling on a scooter to a party meeting.
Videos of the incident showed the masked men hitting Hussain with a cricket bat, chasing him, and attempting to snatch the weapon of one of his security officers.
Two of his security officers are injured.
Hussain said that the Assam government is enabling such attacks by failing to take action against offenders. “These people have been given a free hand by the authorities. They believe they can even take lives without facing consequences,” he remarked.
His son, Tanzil Hussain, also spoke out, highlighting the severity of the attack. “My father is not just a political leader; he represents a constituency of 24 lakh people. If a sitting MP is not safe, one can only imagine the security of the common people. This government has failed in ensuring public safety,” he asserted.
Congress workers held a protest outside the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Assam’s Golaghat over the attack on him.
Leader of the Opposition in the Assam Assembly, Debabrata Saikia, said, “It is unfortunate that in spite of informing the special branch of the Nagaon district police and the local police station (about the visit), our MP Rakibul Hussain and his PSO were assaulted in broad daylight at Rupahihat New Bazar area… The BJP always says that they want a ‘Congress Mukt Bharat.’ This may be their plan to achieve this by intimidating people… The government should provide adequate security to anyone who wants to protest against its misrule… The CM has not said a word of sorrow for the incident… We demand a discussion about this by adjourning the regular business of the House today.”
AIUDF MLA and Party General Secretary Dr. (Hafiz) Rafiqul Islam said, “Rakibul Hussain was on his way to his home district to attend a program when he was attacked by some people… This is unfortunate, and we condemn it. Immediate and strict action should be taken, and there should be an inquiry…”
