Court extends Akhil's cop custody by one more day

GUWAHATI: Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS) president and RTI activist Akhil Gogoi, along with two other KMSS members, Ibrahim Ali and Dwijen Sarma, were sent to police custody for one more day on Thursday by the court of additional chief judicial magistrate, Kamrup (Metro) here on Thursday.
Last Sunday, police arrested Akhil and five other KMSS members in connection with the self-immolation of KMSS activist Pranab Boro in front of the secretariat on February 24.Police charged Akhil and five other KMSS activists with abetment to suicide and criminal conspiracy.
"After completion of the four-day police remand on Thursday, police again wanted Akhil and two others in their custody for five days. But the court, after hearing arguments from both sides, sent Akhil and two others to 24-hour police custody," said Bijon Mahajan, counsel for the accused.
He said the court also asked police to conduct regular medical tests on the KMSS president, allow him to consume home-cooked food, provide mosquito nets and other amenities in custody. "The court said Akhil and two others in police custody should not be tortured," added Mahajan.
Mahajan added that 26 cases are pending against Akhil in various police stations of Kamrup (Metro) district. Police on Thursday sought extension of Akhil's custody for another seven days. However, the court's judgment in this regard is awaited.
Mahajan said Akhil appealed to all KMSS activists and his supporters to not call any bandh that can harm commoners. He also asked them to not launch hunger strikes. While coming out of the court, Akhil said, "The Tarun Gogoi government wants to kill me."
A large crowd had gathered on the premises of the court of chief judicial magistrate, Kamrup (Metro), on Thursday afternoon to get a glimpse of the KMSS leader. Police and paramilitary forces were deployed on the court premises.
KMSS supporters raised slogans seeking withdrawal of all cases against Akhil.