Assam MLA Akhil Gogoi and Associates Charged Under UAPA for CAA Protests

A special NIA court framed charges against Assam MLA Akhil Gogoi and his three associates under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for their alleged role in the protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). Gogoi's lawyer Shantanu Borthakur said that NIA Special Judge S.K. Sharma framed charges against him (Gogoi) under Section 18 (conspiracy) of the UAPA and Sections 120 B (criminal conspiracy), 153 A (promoting enmity) and 153 B of the IPC related to statements that harm national integrity.

At the same time, other accused Dhaijya Konwar, Bittu Sonowal and Manas Konwar were charged under Section 18 of the UAPA and Section 120B of the IPC. The court dropped Section 39 of the UAPA and Section 124A (sedition) of the IPC related to supporting a terrorist organization. The NIA had sought this in its charge sheet. On the court framing charges, Akhil Gogoi said that 'this once again proves that we are with the people and this government wants to put us in jail. The fight against the fascist and communal government is very difficult.'

Gogoi said that all four people will go to the Gauhati High Court against the framing of charges against them. The NIA is investigating two cases against Gogoi and his three associates for their alleged role in the violent Citizenship (Amendment) Act movement in the state in December 2019.

Akhil Gogoi was arrested in December 2019 in connection with the alleged violent protests against the amended citizenship law. He was later released on bail. Gogoi is accused of inciting incidents of violence after his alleged provocative speeches. It is also mentioned that Akhil Gogoi contested the Assam Assembly election from jail in 2021 and won from the Sivasagar seat.