No shield for sexual assault accused: AASU distances itself from Sankarjyoti Baruah

The President of the All Assam Students' Union (AASU) has issued a strong and unequivocal statement in response to the arrest of former AASU leader Sankarjyoti Baruah, who has been accused of sexually assaulting a female member of the organization.

In his first official reaction, the AASU President asserted that the union "does not stand by a former leader accused of sexual assault" and clarified that Baruah is no longer affiliated with the student body. He alleged that the accused had lured the victim—an active AASU member—with the false promise of marriage before subjecting her to sexual abuse.

"Although he has since severed ties with the organization, the survivor remains a committed member of AASU," the President stated, underlining that the union stands firmly in support of the victim. “In such circumstances, it is better for Sankarjyoti Baruah not to expect any backing from AASU.”

He further emphasized that AASU bears no obligation towards individuals involved in acts of sexual violence. “Everyone has seen the handcuffs; we have seen the dignity of a young woman torn apart,” he remarked, highlighting the emotional toll of the incident.

The President also responded to speculations regarding any controversial statements made by the survivor. “If she has made any remark against the nation, she will be answerable for it—but this does not diminish her right to justice in any way.”