[Assam] Two Assam MLAs on the run after Kaziranga vandalism

[Priyankoo]

http://www.morungexpress.com/regional/18169.html

*GUWAHATI, March 25 (Agencies):* Two Assam MLAs have gone underground ever
since a case was filed against them for vandalism at the Kaziranga National
Park. Independent MLAs Jiten Gogoi and Kushal Duwari, who recently entered
the park carrying AK-47 rifles, beat up some forest personnel, including a
Ranger, and ransacked property in the park after they were denied permission
for fishing. It is learnt that police could not take any action so far as
the Assembly Speaker has not yet given his nod for their arrest.
The Opposition parties have slammed Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi’s flip-flop
on the issue. Gogoi told mediapersons that the duo would be arrested as soon
as they were spotted. In fact, the very next moment he said that action
could not be taken against them as they were staying in the MLA hostel.
The All Assam Students’ Union alleged that the Chief Minister had not taken
any action because of election politics. It is alleged that the Chief
Minister has sought the help of Jiten Gogoi to secure the victory of his
brother Deep Gogoi who will contest the parliamentary elections Kaliabor
seat. Similarly, Kushal Duwari is said to have reached an understanding to
help Union Minister B.K. Handique contesting from Jorhat.
Meanwhile, the Gauhati High Court on Monday heard the bail petitions of the
two MLAs and fixed March 30 as the next date of hearing. The duo had earlier
appealed to the court seeking anticipatory bail. Hearing the bail petitions,
a Division Bench asked police to submit the case diary pertaining to the
complaint lodged by ranger officer D Boro.