Akhil Gogoi, an Assam MLA, was arrested during anti-CAA rallies and later released after a court cleared him of all charges under the UAPA.
Guwahati: After nearly 19 months in detention, Assam legislator Akhil Gogoi was released after a special NIA court absolved him of all charges under the UAPA for his alleged role in the violent anti-CAA riots in the state in December 2019.
After the special NIA court handed the release order to the Guwahati Central Jail, Gogoi, an Independent MLA from the Sivasagar seat, stepped out of the Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), where he was being treated for various ailments.
The Raijor Dal chief and his companions were charged under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in two cases in Assam in 2019 for their alleged role in violent protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act.
“Truth has finally triumphed, despite all efforts to keep me imprisoned,” he told reporters after his release. Gogoi called the decision “historic and exemplary,” saying that Special NIA Judge Pranjal Das had established the judiciary’s independence.
“Previously, the law was exploited to keep me in prison, but the NIA judge has set an example by issuing such an independent judgement, and he has restored public confidence in the judiciary and judicial system.”
“His verdict would set a precedent and assist individuals who are currently imprisoned for protesting the CAA or challenging the government on many matters in obtaining release,” Gogoi added.
