Assam Artist Marshall Baruah Summoned to Court Following Bharalumukh Protest

Guwahati: An Assam court has issued summons to artist Marshall Baruah and youth leader Ankuman Bordoloi, requiring them to appear on June 25. The court order follows a case linked to protests against the felling of trees in the Bharalumukh area of Guwahati. Both men previously spent 14 days in judicial custody after police charged them under non-bailable sections, including allegations of criminal conspiracy to commit murder.

The Bharalumukh demonstration drew significant attention from environmentalists and citizens concerned about the loss of urban greenery during infrastructure projects. This legal development follows public controversy over the removal of a mural honoring singer Zubeen Garg at the Ganeshguri flyover. Authorities took down the artwork as part of a beautification drive, prompting an immediate outcry from fans and cultural activists.

Baruah decided to recreate the tribute at the same location, drawing a large crowd of supporters who sang popular songs and chanted slogans. The artist completed the restoration with a new design, eventually adding the phrase "Comrades Never Die" to the mural. The gathering remained peaceful, with participants ensuring traffic and emergency vehicles could pass through the site during the event.