AASU demands CM's resignation over Ripun case

Guwahati, June 4 (UNI) The All Assam Students' Union (AASU) today demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi owning reponsibility for his sacked cabinet colleague Ripun Bora, who was arrested by CBI yesterday in a bribery case.

AASU advisor Dr Samujjal Kumar Bhattacharyya said, '' The Prime Minister should initiate strong constitutional action against the Gogoi-led Assam government.'' Assam government spokesperson and Education minister Ripun Bora was arrested at New Delhi yesterday when he was trying to bribe a CBI officer investigating the murder of Daniel Topno, a tea tribe student leader who was killed in 2000. Mr Bora was implicated in the murder.

A Guwahati-based reporter and a businessman were also held with him.

Praising the CBI for exposing the corrupt minister, the AASU pointed that Mr Gogoi was against a CBI enquiry into Daniel's murder, which the students' body alleged indicated that the chief minister was trying to shield his minister.

Mr Gogoi should immediately resign for protecting such criminal, Dr Bhattacharyya added.

The AASU also demanded probe into the allegations against other ministers and MPs of the state. They include Forest Minister Rockybul Hussain for alleged nexus with poachers, state government spokesperson Dr Himanta Biswa Sharma for several charges, Flood Control Minister Bharat Narah for corruption charges and Congress MP Manikumar Subba for his doubtful nationality.

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