Guwahati Police Crack Down on Unauthorised Public Wall Art, Cases Registered at Dispur and Basistha
Two youths were detained by Dispur Police for allegedly painting a portrait of environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk on a public roadside wall near Jyoti Bishnu Bhawan in Guwahati without obtaining prior permission, police officials said on Saturday.
The detainees have been identified as Nakul Mili of Dibrugarh and Gaurav Singh of Dakshin Gaon in Guwahati. They were intercepted by a night patrolling team while allegedly creating the mural.
Police said painting on public or government property requires prior authorisation, and the artwork violated existing rules as well as the Chief Minister’s directive against defacing public property.
A case has been registered at Dispur Police Station (Case No. 524/26), and legal proceedings have been initiated against the duo. However, police said they would be released after being served notices to appear before the investigating officer, in accordance with legal provisions.
In a related development, Basistha Police have also registered a separate case over paintings made beneath the Basistha Flyover. Officials said those responsible would also be detained as part of the ongoing investigation.
Police reiterated that any painting or artwork on public property without official permission is prohibited and warned that strict action would be taken against future violations.
