Itanagar, May 25:
Fresh visuals allegedly showing physical injury marks on anti-drug activist Gumin Mize have surfaced online, intensifying public debate surrounding his arrest and alleged custodial assault.
The development comes hours after Lakhimpur Senior Superintendent of Police Gunendra Deka, during a press briefing on Monday, rejected claims linked to previously circulated photographs and stated that the images circulating on social media were neither from the police station, hospital nor the court.
According to the SSP, Gumin Mize had also alleged before the court that he was tortured in custody. He stated that a medical examination was conducted following court orders and the report did not indicate any physical abuse or harm on Mize. The SSP further said that the media could access the medical reports.
Earlier, photographs purportedly showing bruises and injury marks on Mize’s body had surfaced across social media platforms and several news channels. However, the emergence of a full video allegedly showing physical injury marks has now raised serious questions over the statements made during the press briefing by SSP Gunendra Deka.
The authenticity of the newly surfaced visuals has not been independently verified.
Meanwhile, members of the Arunachal Anti-Drug Warriors alleged that Mize was physically assaulted while in custody following his arrest near Itanagar on May 20. According to the group, they were allowed to meet him on May 23 after obtaining police permission and allegedly noticed bruises on his arms, back, and legs during the interaction.
The emergence of the latest video has further intensified demands from several quarters for an independent investigation into the matter.
In a related development, the Adi Students’ Union has announced a 12-hour bandh across the Adi belt on May 27 in connection with the ongoing Gumin Mize issue. The union strongly condemned the alleged torture of the anti-drug activist and demanded justice.
The bandh is expected to affect normal movement and public services in several areas across the region during the protest period.
