Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Monday, May 25, said he has spoken to his Assam counterpart regarding the arrest of anti-drug activist Gumin Mize and urged the Assam government to look into allegations of custodial abuse linked to the case.

Speaking to reporters in Itanagar, Khandu said reports and images circulating on social media alleging physical abuse and atrocities inside jail were “unfortunate” and needed to be examined seriously.

The chief minister, however, clarified that the Arunachal Pradesh government has no authority to interfere in legal or judicial matters of another state.

“We cannot dictate or intervene in any court or law-related matter of another state, but I have approached the Assam government because I recognise the efforts of Gumin Mize, who has been tirelessly working against drug mafias,” Khandu said.
According to the chief minister, Mize had gone to a border town in Assam in connection with anti-drug activities and efforts to curb narcotics trafficking through border areas when he was arrested.

The remarks came amid growing outrage in Arunachal Pradesh over allegations of custodial torture against Mize at Bihpuria Police Station in Assam’s Lakhimpur district.

Earlier, a complaint was filed before the National Human Rights Commission by Buteng Tayeng alleging that police personnel subjected Mize to physical assault, verbal abuse and denial of proper medical examination while in custody.