Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Tuesday (May 26, 2026) expressed concern over the alleged custodial torture of anti-drug activist Gumin Mize, as outrage intensified across the State and neighbouring Assam over photographs and videos purportedly showing injury marks on his body while in police custody.

The State government has taken up the matter with Assam, with Mr. Khandu stating that he personally intervened after coming across the incident on social media.

Speaking to reporters here, Mr. Khandu said Arunachal Pradesh could not interfere in another State’s judicial process but had strongly conveyed its concerns to the Assam government.

"Mize has done excellent work here for the past several years against drugs. He has even facilitated the arrest of several individuals involved in drug peddling," the Chief Minister said.

Describing the development as unfortunate, the Mr. Khandu informed that he had specifically requested the Assam government to ensure that no torture or mistreatment takes place while Mr. Mize remains in custody.

He added that the State government was closely monitoring the situation.

Mr. Mize, president of the Arunachal Anti-Drug Warriors (APADW), was arrested by Assam Police from Itanagar on May 20 in connection with a Bihpuria Police Station case registered in Assam’s Lakhimpur district.

He was booked under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) along with provisions of the Arms Act.

According to the FIR lodged by one Popi Kakati, the case relates to an alleged violent incident that took place on May 15 at Sessa Rajgarh in Assam, where a group of 12 to 15 unidentified persons allegedly stormed a residence, assaulted family members, brandished firearms and looted cash and mobile phones.

The complainant alleged that the attackers had arrived in three vehicles looking for her husband, Rupam Kakati. When he allegedly attempted to flee, he was chased, physically assaulted, handcuffed and fired upon. The FIR further alleged that the complainant was also assaulted while trying to intervene.

Police said that Mr. Mize was arrested in connection with the case following allegations that gunshots were fired during the confrontation.

However, supporters of the activist claimed that he had gone to the area in connection with anti-drug operations and had allegedly fired warning shots in self-defence after being attacked by suspected drug peddlers.

Soon after his arrest, photographs and videos purportedly showing bruise marks and injuries on Mr. Mize’s body surfaced on social media, triggering widespread public anger and demands for justice from student unions, civil society groups and anti-drug activists across the Northeast.

The incident has sparked strong emotional reactions in Arunachal Pradesh, where Mr. Mize is widely known for spearheading anti-drug awareness campaigns and assisting in operations against drug trafficking networks.

Several organisations and citizens have alleged that his anti-drug activism may have made him a target of vested interests linked to narcotics activities in the region.

Amid the growing controversy, a formal complaint has also been lodged before the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) alleging custodial torture of the activist at Bihpuria Police Station in Assam’s Lakhimpur district.

The complaint, filed by Namsai resident Buteng Tayeng, accused police personnel of subjecting Mr. Mize to severe physical assault, verbal abuse and denial of proper medical examination while in custody.

The petition urged the NHRC to conduct an independent investigation into the allegations and initiate strict action against those responsible.

However, authorities at Bihpuria police station have denied allegations of custodial torture and claimed that the viral photographs and videos circulating on social media were AI-generated.