Assam Finance Minister and NEDA Convenor Himanta Biswa Sarma on August 22nd, 2019 appeared before the Court of the District & Sessions Judge, Kamrup in a defamation case lodged by Sarma against Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti-KMSS leader Akhil Gogoi nine years ago.
The defamation case was filed in 2010 by the Minister after Gogoi alleged his involvement in the Rs 1000 crore Dima Hasao scam. Sarma was then Congress Minister in the Tarun Gogoi led government.
“Akhil Gogoi has time and again put the media in risk as he keeps on changing his statements. Because of his frivolous remarks journalists have been sent to jail,” said Himanta while addressing the media today.
It may be mentioned that on 2018, the BJP leader had filed a Rs 100 crore defamation case against ABP News who had aired a news item of his involvement in the “operation dalal” controversy. The lawsuit was filed before the Civil Judge, Senior Division, Kamrup. The Hindi news channel had aired a report that Sarma had close ties with Delhi-based “power broker” Anuj Poddar.
Post the news item, Gogoi had given out multiple statements in front of the media against the Minister based on the report.
Photo: Smita Rani Deka
Guwahati | Edited By: Vairabi Rajbonshi