The arrest of anti-drug activist Gumin Mize has triggered protests, political reactions, and allegations of custodial torture across Arunachal Pradesh, turning what began as a police case in Assam into a wider debate over drugs, policing, and vigilante activism in the Northeast.
Mize, president of the Arunachal Pradesh Anti Drugs Warriors (APADW), was arrested by Assam Police in connection with a May 15 incident in Assam’s Lakhimpur district. Student bodies, civil society groups, and supporters demanded his release and called for an independent probe into allegations that he was tortured while in custody. He was arrested on May 20, 2026, and granted bail on May 26.
What is the case against Gumin Mize?
According to The Arunachal Times, the case against Mize began with a complaint filed by Popi Kakoti, wife of one Rupam Kakoti. The FIR alleges that on May 15, a group of 12 to 15 unidentified people arrived at a residence in Sessa Rajgarh in three vehicles.
The complainant alleged that the group assaulted family members, brandished firearms, and looted cash and mobile phones. When Rupam Kakoti allegedly attempted to flee, he was reportedly chased, physically assaulted, handcuffed, and fired upon. Popi Kakoti also alleged that she was assaulted while trying to intervene.
Based on the complaint, Bihpuria Police registered Case No. 72/2026 under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Arms Act. Mize was subsequently identified in connection with the incident.
On May 20, Assam Police crossed into Arunachal Pradesh and arrested him from Itanagar.
Rupam Kakoti had earlier been arrested by Arunachal Pradesh Police on drug peddling charges.
Mize is known in Arunachal Pradesh for his anti-drug campaigns through the Arunachal Pradesh Anti-Drug Warriors, an organisation he founded and runs from Pasighat in East Siang district without government funding.
The group’s work includes publicly naming alleged drug peddlers, counselling families dealing with addiction, and helping young people enter rehabilitation programmes across Itanagar, Siang, and Lower Subansiri.
Why did the arrest trigger protests in Arunachal Pradesh?
The arrest quickly escalated into a public issue because of Mize’s profile as a grassroots anti-drug activist and the support he enjoys among local organisations.
The Adi Students Union (AdiSU) had initially called for a 12-hour bandh on May 27, but later withdrew the protest after Mize was granted bail.
Speaking to EastMojo from Pasighat, AdiSU president Gomle Ratan said the organisation’s primary demand had been fulfilled following the bail order.
“Our one demand has been fulfilled. He is just coming from Lakhimpur now,” Ratan said.
Defending Mize, Ratan added: “He is an anti-drug warrior. Some miscreants allegedly mob-attacked him and for his own safety he fired in the air. He has been doing anti-drug and philanthropic work for the last three to four years, especially in Pasighat. He is a full-time social activist.”
The issue also drew political attention after Chief Minister Pema Khandu publicly acknowledged intervening with the Assam government after seeing reports on social media.
“Mize has done excellent work here for the past several years against drugs,” Khandu told reporters. “He has even facilitated the arrest of several individuals involved in drug peddling.”
Khandu said Arunachal Pradesh could not interfere in another state’s judicial process but added that he had specifically requested that Mize not be subjected to torture or mistreatment while in custody.
What are the custodial torture allegations?
The controversy deepened after photographs allegedly showing bruises and injury marks on Mize’s body began circulating on social media.
Lakhimpur Senior Superintendent of Police Gunendra Deka responded by claiming the photographs were AI-generated and misleading.
However, a video later surfaced which, according to AdiSU, was secretly recorded by a member near a toilet area while Mize was being escorted during court proceedings. The organisation claimed the footage showed the same injuries earlier dismissed as fabricated.
“If the earlier images were called AI-generated, then this video footage should also be sent for forensic examination,” AdiSU said in a statement. “The footage clearly confirms custodial torture. If police officers are found to be misleading the public, strict action must be taken against them.”
The allegations have now reached the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).
A formal complaint filed before the commission alleged that Mize was repeatedly beaten inside the Bihpuria Police Station lock-up using lathis and heavy leather belts, with blows allegedly targeted at his thighs and buttocks. The complaint also alleged sustained verbal abuse, psychological pressure, and the deliberate denial of a mandatory medical examination despite visible injuries.
The petition invoked Article 21 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to life and personal dignity, and Article 22 concerning arbitrary detention. It also cited the Supreme Court’s D.K. Basu guidelines on custodial safeguards, arguing that these protections were ignored.
The complaint sought an independent NHRC inquiry or a CBI investigation, interim compensation of Rs 20 lakh, registration of an FIR against the officers involved, and protection for Mize and his family. Photographs allegedly taken on May 22 were submitted along with the petition.
Buteng Tayang, State Affairs Secretary of the North East Human Rights Organization (NEHRO), who filed the complaint, said the NHRC has registered the case and is expected to seek a response from the Lakhimpur SSP within the next four weeks.
“The NHRC has registered the case. They will send a notice to the SSP of Lakhimpur within the next four weeks,” Tayang said.
He added that the complaint was initially based on media reports and publicly circulating material. “I lodged the complaint based on media reports because I did not have access to the medical reports at that time. Now that he is out on bail, I will try to obtain the medical reports,” he said.
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