Assam Congress President and Jorhat Lok Sabha MP Gaurav Gogoi has strongly condemned a recent incident in the state, where a retired government official allegedly threatened senior NK TV journalist Rana Deka and his 8-year-old child over the phone.
Speaking about the incident, Gogoi said it is extremely worrying and unacceptable. “It is deeply concerning that a journalist and his young child were threatened in such a manner. This is not only frightening for the victims but also a dangerous signal for the freedom of the press in Assam,” he said.
Gogoi said that such incidents seem to have become a routine during the current government’s tenure. “From the Chief Minister down to members of the cabinet, there appears to be a pattern of showing contempt towards journalists. Now, even a retired government official feels empowered to act without fear of consequences. This is a worrying development for Assam’s social fabric,” he added. 
He also stated the role of the police in handling the case. “It is crucial to see how the police respond. A proper investigation must be conducted. Upholding justice in this matter will protect the dignity of Assam and the people of the state,” Gogoi said.
Meanwhile, The Assam government has announced that legal action will be taken against retired IAS officer Hitesh Dev Sarma for allegedly threatening NKTV PLUS journalist Rana Deka and his eight-year-old child. Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma addressed the matter and said that such threats against journalists will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
The controversy erupted following a phone call reportedly made by Sarma on the night of November 21, during which he allegedly issued death threats to Deka. The threats were linked to a news report aired by NKTV, where Deka works, concerning Sarma’s son, Geetartha Dev Sarma, an APS officer accused of assaulting a fan of the late singer Zubeen Garg in Mushalpur, Baksa district.
