The Indian Students’ Organisation (ISO) has lodged a formal complaint with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and the Assam Human Rights Commission, alleging excessive use of force by Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime), Gitartha Dev Sarma, during protests outside Baksa District Jail on October 15. The protest, sparked by public outrage over the suspicious death of renowned Assamese singer Zubeen Garg, reportedly turned violent, resulting in multiple injuries among protesters, journalists, and police personnel.
According to the ISO, the crowd had gathered to protest the transfer of five individuals accused in connection with Zubeen Garg’s custodial death. Witnesses and the student body claimed that Additional SP Dev Sarma ordered a lathi charge as the first step to control the crowd, followed by the use of tear gas and blank firing. The organisation contends that such a response was premature and disproportionate, violating established police protocols and human rights norms.
In their petition, the ISO highlighted several concerns. They stated that the use of force undermined democratic rights, as the protesters were exercising their constitutional right to peaceful assembly under Article 19(1)(b). They also pointed out that the action contravened police guidelines laid out in the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D) manuals, the Model Police Act, 2007, and Supreme Court rulings such as D.K. Basu vs. State of West Bengal, which mandate a graduated approach to crowd control, starting with verbal warnings and non-violent measures before resorting to lathi charge or other aggressive tactics. 
The student organisation further accused the senior officer of eroding public trust in law enforcement. “The credibility of police is at stake when excessive force is used without following proper procedures,” the petition stated. It also called for a thorough investigation to determine whether Additional SP Dev Sarma acted on his own or under orders from higher authorities.
ISO President Durlav Talukdar and General Secretary Ananya Saikia demanded urgent action from the commissions. Their requests include a time-bound independent inquiry into the incident, suspension of the officer pending investigation if found guilty of misconduct, medical assistance and compensation for all injured individuals, and mandatory human rights training for Assam Police personnel to prevent similar incidents in the future.
