Boko, Sept 20: In a new development surrounding the torching incident at the Boko Coaching Academy in Boko, Rabha National Youth Council (RNYC) and Congress have expressed suspicions about the involvement of Tankeswar Rabha, the Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council (RHAC).
The suspicion surrounding Tankeswar Rabha in connection with the torching incident at the Boko Coaching Academy has deepened as it is believed that Ranjan Rabha, the owner of the coaching centre, had questioned Tankeswar Rabha’s tribal identity just two days before the incident occurred.
They have reasons to believe that the owner of the coaching centre Ranjan Rabha had questioned the tribal identity of Tankeswar Rabha just two days before the incident.
The accusations against Tankeswar Rabha have triggered significant unrest, culminating in protests led by the RHAC Congress Coordination Committee and the Rabha National Youth Council (RNYC) in Boko on Thursday. The protestors demanded justice for the torching of the Boko Coaching Academy, where suspicions have been raised about the involvement of Rabha.
During the protests, demonstrators submitted separate memorandums to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Chief Secretary Ravi Kota, and Director General of Police GP Singh, urging an investigation into the incident. They called for a thorough probe and the arrest of those responsible for the burning of the coaching centre.
The Boko Coaching Academy, established by Ranjan Rabha in Dakuapara village, became the centre of controversy following a press conference organized by Ranjan Rabha on September 10 in which, he raised concerns about the tribal identity of Tankeswar Rabha. Just two days later, on September 12, the coaching centre was completely burnt under mysterious circumstances.
Ranjan Rabha has alleged that the fire was caused by miscreants linked to Tankeswar Rabha, pointing to the timing of the incident shortly after his public questioning of Rabha’s identity. This has further intensified suspicions surrounding the incident, with Ranjan Rabha believing that the act of arson was in retaliation for his challenge to Tankeswar Rabha’s tribal status.
Based on a complaint filed by Raanjan Rabha, the Boko Police have registered a case numbered 415/24 under section 326 (g) of the BNS. Despite this, no arrests have been made thus far.
Ashok Rabha, general secretary of the Rabha National Youth Council (RNYC), stated that they organized a sit-in protest to demand justice for the incident.
The RNYC condemned the arson attack on the educational institution and called on the government to take preventive measures to avoid such incidents in the future.
He noted that Ranjan Rabha had named specific individuals in the FIR related to the incident, but these individuals have yet to be arrested.
Rabha stated that the RNYC would persist with their protests until those responsible for the arson are apprehended. He also mentioned that if necessary, the council may consider closing down the council area to press their demands.
Ashok Rabha accused Tankeswar Rabha and his associates of violating several constitutional provisions, including Article 19 (A) (Freedom of speech and expression) and Article 29 (The fundamental right to education and the establishment of educational institutions).
Meanwhile, the RHAC Congress Coordination Committee organized a protest rally from Boko Rajiv Bhawan to the Boko Circle Office, where they submitted a memorandum to both the Assam Director General of Police (DGP) and the Assam Chief Secretary. Their demands included the arrest of Tankeswar Rabha and alleged accomplices involved in the arson of the Boko Coaching Academy.
Pranay Rabha, president of the RHAC Congress Coordination Committee, said Ranjan Rabha’s statement revealing Tankeswar Rabha’s original identity with supporting documents, was the main reason of the arson incident.
Pranay Rabha suggested that Tankeswar Rabha, feeling threatened by the exposure and the legal challenge, sought revenge against Ranjan Rabha, which allegedly resulted in the arson incident.
