GUWAHATI, Sept 12: All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) general secretary Shankar Jyoti Baruah has resigned from his position following a controversy related to his relationship with a law student.
Baruah announced his decision to step down in a post on Facebook on Thursday, marking a significant development within the influential student body.
Baruah’s resignation is notable given his prominent role within AASU, a key organization involved in various socio-political movements in Assam.
“I would like to inform you that recently there has been a controversy regarding us on the holy floor of All Assam Student Union. Even though the truth of this controversy will be proved in court, I want to inform personally that I have self-willingly accepted from the holy floor of All Assam Student Union as general secretary. I will send my release letter to the central committee shortly. I will be grateful to everyone for your support and cooperation till this moment. Thank you,” Baruah said in his post.
Baruah said his decision to step down as a general secretary is completely personal.
Baruah has been accused of mental and sexual harassment by a law student, leading to a formal complaint being filed against him at Bhangagarh Police Station on September 6. Since the incident occurred within the jurisdiction of Dispur Police Station, the case was transferred there. On September 7, Baruah secured anticipatory bail.
The police have registered a case against Baruah under several sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including Section 376 (rape), Section 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), Section 506 (criminal intimidation), and other relevant provisions. According to the FIR, the complainant alleged that Baruah had engaged in a physical relationship with her under the false promise of marriage.
The accusation brought massive discussions, and the issue was taken seriously by the central leadership of AASU, who asked Baruah to step down on his own.
Baruah has confessed to having a relationship with the student in the past, but said it ended six months ago. He has also secured anticipatory bail in anticipation of the case filed against him.
On Tuesday, AASU chief advisor Samujjal Kumar Bhattacharya had announced that Baruah had been advised to either take leave or step down from his position as general secretary in light of the allegations.
Notably, during Baruah’s tenure as general secretary, the organisation has taken strict action against members involved in similar controversies.
Anowar Hussain, president of the All Guwahati District Students Union (AAGSU) was forced to resign over allegations of a relationship with a woman, while general secretary Tutmoni Choudhury was asked to step down after applying for a marriage registration.
However, now that Baruah himself is embroiled in a controversy, questions are being raised about why the organisation is taking its time in making a decisive move against its top leader.
