AUDF MLA arrested in Assam on charges of vandalism

Guwahati, Aug 19 (UNI) AUDF MLA from Lower Assam's Dhubri constituency Rashul Haq Bahadur was arrested today on charges of vandalism.

Police said the legislator and seven others were arrested under several sections of the IPC after an FIR from a Congress worker was lodged alleging that Mr Bahadur and his supporters had vandalised a Congress office at Jogomayaghat in Dhubri and attacked party workers inside it.

According to reports, the MLA, flanked by around 30 supporters, were distributing posters and placards for tomorrow's 'Dhubri Challo' programme of the Asom United Democratic Front (AUDF) this morning when they barged into the South Salmara Block Congress office and ransacked it.

The FIR even alleged that the MLA threatened the Congress workers with his PSO's pistol.

Later, the workers of both parties clashed near the Dhubri police station and engaged in stone pelting.

At least five Congress workers and a police constable were injured in the incident.

Barely few hours after the MLA was arrested, the AUDF workers gheraoed the police station demanding his release. This prompted the police to open lathicharge and lob tear gas to disperse the mob.

At least 25 people were injured in the police action.

Situation was tense in the town, with apprehensions of more clashes towards the night.

The Congress and the AUDF had been at loggerheads in the constituency since the latter wrested the seat.

Mr Bahadur faced a lot of flak after he hogged the headlines recently, proposing an 'independent minority council' comprising the districts in lower Assam.

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