‘Probe will take due course’: AJP’s Kunki after police appearance in MCC case

Guwahati, April 12: Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) candidate from Guwahati Central, Kunki Chowdhury, appeared before Panbazar Police Station on Sunday in connection with a summons over alleged violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).

Speaking to the press after nearly two hours of questioning, Chowdhury said, “I have presented my statement and the investigation will take its due course.”

She also asserted that she had not breached any Election Commission guidelines and describing the charges as “false”.

Chowdhury also raised concerns over the lack of progress in the FIR she had filed regarding a deepfake video targeting her.

“Officials have said that steps are being taken, but I do not understand why it is taking so long. I have full faith that the system will investigate properly,” she said.

Advocate Santanu Borthakur, addressing the press outside the police station, downplayed the seriousness of the charges.

“All the charges in the FIR are bailable, so she cannot be arrested. In fact, the charges are not serious. The summons was issued in strong language only to harass her,” he said.

He also questioned the timing of the action, noting that the MCC is in force and administrative neutrality must be maintained.

Borthakur further flagged the delay in action on Chowdhury’s complaint regarding the alleged circulation of the deepfake video targeting her and her family.

Chowdhury was served a notice on Saturday directing her to appear before 11 am on Sunday, with a warning that non-compliance could invite arrest.

The case was registered on April 9, the day of polling, based on a complaint filed by BJP activist Naba Kumar Lahkar against Chowdhury and her campaign manager Sandeep Yadav, alleging violations of the MCC and interference in the conduct of free and fair elections.

The development drew sharp reactions from the AJP leadership, with party president Lurinjyoti Gogoi terming the summons “shocking and unfortunate”.

He alleged that the ruling BJP was misusing the administration and police machinery for political gain.

“This is not only administrative pressure on a candidate, it is a glaring example of suppression of democracy. When the ruling party fears losing power and senses that the mandate is against it, such undemocratic methods are adopted,” Gogoi said.

He also questioned the delay in acting on Chowdhury’s complaint regarding the deepfake video.

“Why have those responsible not been arrested yet? Why is the Assam Police behaving in a biased manner?” he asked.

Gogoi further alleged that the BJP, apprehensive about Chowdhury’s growing popularity in the Guwahati Central constituency, had resorted to intimidation tactics.

“Thousands of democratic-minded people in Assam are with Kunki. These threats will only strengthen our resolve,” he added.

The developments come amid an already charged political atmosphere in Guwahati Central, where Chowdhury, a debutant candidate, has been in the spotlight following remarks by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma regarding her family.

She is contesting against BJP veteran Vijay Kumar Gupta in the constituency.

With inputs from PTI