'What kind of democracy is this?': Assam activist Pranab Doley detained over Kaziranga protest

Dispur Police on Sunday, July 12, detained activist Pranab Doley, who has been spearheading protests against the proposed construction of luxury hotels near Assam's Kaziranga National Park, and brought him to Dispur Police Station for interrogation.

Videos circulating on social media showed Doley shouting as he was being escorted by police personnel. "We can't even be the voice of the people. What kind of democracy is this? I was arrested without any papers and brought here. What kind of democracy is this?" he said while being taken away.

Sources said Doley has been booked under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Sections 61(2), 191(2), 191(3), 190, 329(3), 324(2), 221, 132, 121, 121(1), 121(2), 351(3), 74, 326(g), and 62.

The case has been registered at Bokakhat Police Station, and officials said he will be handed over to Bokakhat Police for further legal proceedings.

Doley, a member of Assam's indigenous Mising community, has been at the forefront of opposition to the proposed hospitality projects near Kaziranga, raising concerns over their potential environmental impact and the rights of local communities.

An MSW graduate from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Doley has founded and co-founded several organisations, including the Centre for North East Studies and Policy Advocacy (CNAPA), the All Kaziranga Affected Communities' Rights Committee, the People Ecology Network, and the Jyoti Bishnu Cultural and Research Centre. Through these organisations, he has worked on issues related to indigenous rights, sustainable development, environmental conservation, and community welfare.

Assam Police sources said Bokakhat Police were on their way to take Doley into custody at the time of filing this report, as the case had been registered at Bokakhat Police Station.