Guwahati police have intensified their investigation into alleged defamatory remarks against the esteemed Kamakhya temple, issuing new summons after key suspects neglected to appear for questioning as scheduled. The Crime Branch has formally registered case number 04/2025 under sections 196(2)/299/302 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023, targeting a television news anchor and Shrishti Raghuwanshi, sister of the late Raja Raghuvanshi, for statements made during a broadcast interview.
According to Joint Police Commissioner Ankur Jain, the investigating officer issued notices under section 35(3) of BNSS on June 13, instructing the suspects to report to the Crime Branch police station on June 23 and 24. However, none of those summoned responded to the notice. Jain noted, “The IO has sent a 35(3) BNSS notice to the accused named in the FIR, including the anchor of the news channel and Shrishti Raghuwanshi of Indore, on June 13, 2025, to appear before the Investigation Officer at the Crime Branch PS on June 23 and 24, but they did not appear before the IO to date.”
The controversy originated from a television interview wherein the anchor is alleged to have made “unverified and highly defamatory statements” regarding the Maa Kamakhya Temple, one of India’s most revered Shakti Peethas, located in Guwahati and holding significant religious value for Hindu practitioners nationwide. Police claim that Shrishti Raghuwanshi, who appeared as the interviewee and is identified as the cousin of the late Raja Raghuvanshi, supported the anchor’s contentious remarks during the broadcast.
The investigation gained traction following complaints that the aired statements transitioned from journalism into defamation of a sacred site. Authorities have expressed concerns regarding the potential repercussions these statements could have on community relations within the region. A senior police official explained, “The statements are against the revered temple of Hindu deity Maa Kamakhya of Assam, thereby hurting the religious sentiments of a particular community and disturbing public peace and communal harmony in society. Hence, the case was registered.”
With initial summons being ignored, police are now exploring further legal avenues to compel the accused to appear for questioning. The investigation is ongoing as authorities strive to balance the complexities of religious sensitivities with the necessity of legal due process.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/assam/story/guwahati-police-issue-fresh-summons-after-raja-raghuvanshis-sister-tv-anchor-skip-court-appearance-1238899-2025-07-03?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2025-07-03 16:24:00
