Guwahati Police summon AJP’s Kunki Chowdhury over MCC violation

Guwahati, April 12: Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) candidate from Guwahati Central, Kunki Chowdhury, has been summoned by Panbazar Police in connection with alleged violations of election norms during polling held on April 9.

According to a notice issued by Panbazar Police Station under Section 35(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), Chowdhury has been directed to appear before the Officer-in-Charge at 11:00 AM on Sunday for questioning.

The notice stated, “During the investigation of Panbazar PS Case No. 74/26… it is revealed that there are reasonable grounds to question you to ascertain facts and circumstances from you, in relation to the present investigation.”

Authorities said the summons is linked to an FIR registered at Panbazar Police Station concerning alleged violations of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) in the Guwahati Central Assembly constituency.

The case reportedly names Chowdhury along with members of her social media team.

As per the complaint, the alleged incidents occurred on polling day, including the presence of a political worker linked to the candidate during the mandatory 48-hour silence period.

The FIR also alleges that Chowdhury entered a polling station with a group of individuals and interacted with voters in a manner that could potentially influence the electoral process.

Additional allegations include the presence of vehicles associated with the candidate within restricted zones near polling booths and the unauthorised entry of security personnel inside polling premises.

Investigators have also cited alleged digital outreach during the silence period, supported by video evidence.

The notice lays down specific conditions for compliance, stating that the candidate “will not tamper with the evidence in the case in any manner whatsoever” and “will not make any threat, inducement or promise to any person acquainted with the facts of the case.”

It also directs her to cooperate and “disclose all the facts truthfully without concealing any part relevant for the purpose of investigation.”

Police have warned of legal consequences in case of non-compliance.

The notice clearly stated, “Failure to attend / comply with the terms of this Notice can render you liable for arrest under Section 35 sub section (5) & (6) BNSS.”

Reacting to the development, Chowdhury, in a social media statement, confirmed that an FIR had been lodged against her and members of her team.

She alleged that some associates were detained overnight and said she had already visited the police station to record her statement, while stressing that due legal procedures must be followed, particularly in recording a woman’s statement.

Denying the allegations, she asserted that her campaign adhered to Election Commission guidelines and termed the action politically motivated, claiming it was triggered by her party’s growing public support.

With inputs from IANS