Leader of the Opposition in the Assam Legislative Assembly, Debabrata Saikia, has written to the Assam State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (ASCPCR) demanding immediate legal intervention in a case where an eight-year-old child has allegedly been threatened with harm. The complaint is linked to an FIR filed by journalist Rana Deka, who works as the Bajali correspondent of NKTV.
In his letter to ASCPCR Chairperson Dr. Shyamal Prasad Saikia, the Opposition leader said he was “deeply concerned” about the safety of the child and pointed out that the matter has been widely reported in the media. Saikia said that although an FIR has been registered, no meaningful action has been taken so far to protect the minor.
According to the complaint and published reports, retired IAS officer Hitesh Dev Sarma allegedly called journalist Rana Deka over the phone and issued direct threats against his child. The call reportedly included a warning that the child could be “hit by a speeding vehicle while returning from school,” indicating the possibility of a staged incident. The alleged motive behind the threat is linked to NKTV’s reporting on an incident involving Sarma’s son, Geetarth Dev Sarma, who is an APS officer. 
Police at Pathsala Police Station in Bajali district have registered the FIR under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). These include provisions related to criminal intimidation, threats of death or grievous harm, intentional insult, and intimidation through anonymous or disguised communication. However, despite these serious charges, Saikia has expressed concern that no arrest has been made and no protective measures have been arranged for the child.
The Opposition leader also noted that certain statements from senior officials suggesting that the phone call “seemed friendly” have raised doubts about whether the case is being taken seriously. “This raises fear that the matter may be downplayed or compromised,” he said in his letter.
Saikia’s letter outlines several legal grounds for urgent intervention. He said the ASCPCR has the authority under the Commission for Protection of Child Rights Act, 2005, to take suo motu notice of violations, inquire into complaints, recommend prosecution, and ensure the safety and dignity of children. He also cited relevant sections of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, which treat threats to a child’s safety as grounds for immediate protective action.
In addition, Saikia pointed out that India, as a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, is obligated to protect children from physical and mental violence, including threats and harassment. He said the threat issued in this case clearly violates those protections.
The Opposition leader said the situation is extremely serious because a young child has been placed under psychological and physical threat, and the accused person is a retired senior civil servant who may have influence over the investigation. He warned that without proper intervention, the matter may be reduced in seriousness, putting the minor at further risk.
Saikia urged the ASCPCR to take up the matter immediately. His letter calls for the Commission to take suo motu cognizance, launch a formal inquiry, and summon the accused, the journalist, and the police officials handling the case to ensure that all aspects are examined.
