Bikash Dhar Killing: Hafiz Rashid Demands Justice, Calls for Minister Krishnendu Paul’s Removal Over ‘Provocative’ Remarks

Gauhati High Court lawyer Hafiz Rashid Ahmed Choudhury has condemned the killing of BJP booth president Bikash Dhar in Patharkandi’s Bazarichhara and called for a fair and impartial investigation. He has also sought the removal of Assam minister and Patharkandi MLA Krishnendu Paul over what he described as provocative and unconstitutional remarks following the incident.

In a video message issued on August 16, Choudhury said he was deeply disturbed and saddened by Dhar’s killing. He urged the administration to ensure a proper investigation and impartial action against those responsible.

Dhar, 52, was found dead in an abandoned house at Yogichhara near the Tripura border on August 14, two days after he went missing. Police have identified Abdul Haque as the main accused and have detained several people in connection with the case. Police said the alleged motive being examined was an earlier dispute between Dhar and Haque. The investigation is continuing and the allegations against the accused are subject to due legal process.

Choudhury said the people of the Bazarichhara area had traditionally lived peacefully and maintained communal harmony. He appealed to the administration to ensure that the actions of individuals involved in the alleged crime did not affect relations between different communities.

He also said the incident should not be given a communal angle, stating that miscreants have no religion. According to Choudhury, the area remained tense and fearful, with some minority families allegedly receiving threats. He claimed that some people were even afraid to visit mosques for regular prayers.

Choudhury also criticised remarks allegedly made by Minister Krishnendu Paul while speaking to the media about the killing. He described the remarks as provocative and unconstitutional.

According to Choudhury’s letter to the Governor of Assam, Paul had referred to inhabitants of the Chagalmowa area of Patharkandi as Bangladeshi nationals while discussing the killing. Choudhury alleged that such a generalisation, without a judicial determination of the citizenship status of the individuals concerned, could create hatred and tension between communities.

He argued that a minister who has taken an oath to uphold the Constitution should not make statements that could be viewed as provocative or unconstitutional. He also said that no minister, MLA or other individual has the authority to declare someone a Bangladeshi national without the appropriate legal process.

Choudhury said he had written to the Governor on August 15 seeking Paul’s removal from the Assam Council of Ministers. In the letter, he alleged that the minister’s statements could promote enmity between religious communities and cited several provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.

He has also submitted a complaint to the Assam Director General of Police seeking registration of an FIR against Paul and an investigation under appropriate provisions of law. Choudhury alleged that the minister’s remarks had created fear among residents and could contribute to communal tension.

At the same time, Choudhury strongly condemned Dhar’s killing and demanded the strictest punishment for those found responsible. He also offered to provide free legal assistance to Dhar’s family if required.

Police have appealed to residents to maintain peace while the investigation continues. According to Sribhumi SSP Leena Doley, police identified Abdul Haque after analysing call detail records linked to Dhar’s disappearance. Police said Haque allegedly confessed to killing Dhar with the assistance of another person, who was later traced to Tripura.