GUWAHATI: The Film Fraternity of Assam (FFA) has filed a formal complaint against Simanta Thakuria, General Secretary of the ‘Pub Guwahati Bihu Sanmilan’ committee, and others for allegedly assaulting and publicly insulting noted Assamese singer and composer Diganta Bharati during a cultural programme held at AEI Field in Chandmari, Guwahati. The incident transpired in the early hours of Wednesday, April 16.
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The complaint submitted by the FFA to the Officer-in-Charge of Chandmari Police Station has stated that Bharati was invited to the stage by organisers during a live performance by his wife, singer Bhaswati Bharati. On the committee’s request, he began singing a duet. However, the complaint alleges that a group led by Thakuria disrupted the performance, verbally abused Bharati, and physically forced him off the stage.
The FFA further stated that Bharati was targeted for wearing jeans, an attire allegedly deemed inappropriate by the organisers. Regarding the altercation, the complaint noted that no prior communication was made regarding a dress code, and the incident led to public humiliation, mental distress, and physical harm to Bharati.
Earlier, Bhaswati Bharati also alleged that one of the individuals involved appeared to be intoxicated. She questioned the rationale of inviting her husband on stage only to insult him. She further claimed that other performers in similar attire were not stopped or questioned.
Video footage and photographs of the incident, along with witness accounts, have been submitted to the police. The FFA has expressed its readiness to fully cooperate with the investigation. However, as of the time of filing this report, a formal FIR had not been registered.
The incident has drawn criticism from various sections of Assam’s cultural community. Singer Zubeen Garg addressed the issue publicly from the Helcha Bihu stage in Nalbari on Thursday, April 17, demanding an apology from the organisers. “This is not a request—I’m giving an order. They must apologise. That’s it,” Garg stated.
The FFA has maintained that no expression of regret has been received from the organising committee.