Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi Urges PM Modi to Investigate Financial Irregularities at Assam Cooperative Apex Bank and Journalists' Arrest

Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi has written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking an inquiry into alleged financial irregularities at the Assam Cooperative Apex Bank. The letter, which was sent on March 20, highlights serious concerns over the operations of the bank, including claims of inflated costs and improper management. Gogoi has called for a comprehensive investigation into the bank's finances and governance, emphasizing the need for transparency in public institutions.

In his letter, Gogoi raised alarms about media reports suggesting that the bank has been operating without a formal contract with an IT vendor since June 2024, raising security concerns. He also referred to reports indicating a surge in banking infrastructure costs from Rs 28 crore in 2018 to nearly Rs 150 crore in 2025, with significant amounts allegedly misallocated, including Rs 14 crore reportedly paid to KPMG under suspicious circumstances. Despite a complaint being filed with the Central Vigilance Commission in January, the Assam government has yet to take meaningful action, and protests have arisen over the perceived lack of accountability.

The letter also addressed the wrongful arrest of senior journalist Dilwar Hussain Mozumdar, who was detained while covering a protest outside the Assam State Cooperative Apex Bank. The arrest, which was initially based on false accusations of caste-based abuse, was later dismissed by a magistrate who found no evidence to support the allegations. Despite being granted bail, Mozumdar was re-arrested the following day on exaggerated charges of robbery and trespassing. Gogoi argues that the arrest of Mozumdar is part of a broader pattern of suppressing press freedom and targeting journalists who report on matters of public interest.

Gogoi has urged Prime Minister Modi to intervene immediately, ensuring that an independent inquiry is launched into both the financial irregularities at the bank and the wrongful arrest of Mozumdar. He stressed that the case goes beyond one journalist and touches upon vital issues like the transparency of financial institutions, press freedom, and the protection of constitutional rights. Gogoi’s letter calls for justice, accountability, and a commitment to safeguarding democratic principles in Assam.

This call for an investigation into the bank's operations and the handling of the Mozumdar case is a critical move to ensure that public institutions in Assam remain accountable and transparent, particularly in light of concerns over governance and the suppression of media freedom.