Congress Dhubri Lok Sabha MP Rakibul Hussain was attacked by unidentified assailants while attending a meeting with party workers in Rupohihat, Nagaon district, Assam, on Thursday. The attack, carried out by masked individuals, also left his personal security officers (PSOs) injured as they tried to shield him from the assault.
According to police reports, the attackers covered their faces with black cloth to conceal their identities and launched a violent ambush using cricket bats. The assailants first targeted Hussain, but when his PSOs intervened, they too were attacked. The sudden and coordinated nature of the assault has raised serious concerns regarding political violence and security lapses in the state.
Immediate Response and Medical Attention
Following the attack, local authorities were alerted, and a police team swiftly arrived at the scene to control the situation. Hussain, who sustained injuries during the attack, was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital for medical attention. His PSOs, who also suffered injuries, were provided necessary medical aid.
The incident has sent shockwaves through Assam’s political circles, with several leaders condemning the attack and calling for a thorough investigation. Security arrangements for politicians, particularly those engaged in election campaigns and political activities, have now come under scrutiny.
Political Reactions and Condemnation
The attack on Rakibul Hussain, a prominent Congress leader, has been widely condemned by political parties and leaders across the state and beyond.
- Congress leaders have strongly condemned the incident, calling it an attack on democracy.
- State Congress president Bhupen Kumar Borah expressed deep concern over the growing political violence in Assam, demanding swift action against the culprits.
- Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has also taken cognizance of the attack and assured that law enforcement agencies will thoroughly investigate the matter.
- Several Opposition leaders have questioned the security arrangements for elected representatives, calling for a review of political security protocols in Assam.
Investigation Underway
The Assam Police has launched an investigation into the attack, gathering evidence from eyewitnesses and CCTV footage to identify the perpetrators. A case has been registered, and officials are probing possible motives behind the assault, including political rivalry and premeditated violence.
Authorities are also investigating whether the attack was linked to ongoing political tensions in the region or if it was an isolated incident. Given the upcoming elections, tensions among political factions have been escalating, leading to fears of further violence.
Security Concerns for Political Leaders
The attack on Rakibul Hussain has raised significant concerns about the safety of politicians in Assam, especially amid heightened political activities. Many political observers believe that such violent incidents could create an atmosphere of fear and intimidation, discouraging free and fair political participation.
Security experts have suggested that the state government and law enforcement agencies should reassess security measures for high-profile leaders to prevent such attacks in the future. Some political parties have already urged the Election Commission of India to take note of the rising instances of political violence in the state.
The brutal attack on Congress MP Rakibul Hussain and his security personnel in Assam’s Nagaon district is a grim reminder of the rising tide of political violence in the region. Such attacks not only threaten individual politicians but also pose a serious risk to the democratic fabric of the state and the nation.
As Assam prepares for upcoming elections, the incident highlights the urgent need for enhanced security for political leaders, particularly those who are active in public meetings and campaigns. Political violence must not be allowed to escalate, as it creates instability, fear, and division within society.
Moreover, swift and decisive action is necessary to bring the attackers to justice and send a strong message that such acts of violence will not be tolerated. Ensuring a safe political environment is crucial for upholding democratic values and fair elections.
While political rivalries are inevitable, they must be resolved through dialogue and democratic processes, not through violence and intimidation. It is now up to law enforcement agencies and the state administration to ensure that justice prevails and that Assam remains a secure place for political discourse and public participation.
