Two youths were detained by the Guwahati Police for allegedly painting a portrait of activist Sonam Wangchuk on a public roadside wall without obtaining prior permission. The incident took place near Jyoti Bishnu Bhawan in the Khanapara area, where a night patrolling team from Dispur Police Station noticed the artwork being created on government property. Police said legal action was initiated because painting or defacing public property requires prior official approval.
The incident has drawn attention amid growing public support for Sonam Wangchuk across different parts of the country. However, police maintained that the action was taken solely because the painting was carried out on public property without authorisation, and not because of the subject of the artwork.
Police Identify the Detained Youths
According to the police, the two detained individuals have been identified as Nakul Mili, a resident of Dibrugarh, and Gaurav Singh from Dakshin Gaon in Guwahati. The duo was reportedly intercepted by a night patrol while they were painting the portrait on the roadside wall.
Officials stated that the artwork was being created without obtaining the mandatory permission from the concerned authorities. Following the detention, both individuals were taken into custody and legal proceedings were initiated.
FIR Registered at Dispur Police Station
Police confirmed that an FIR has been registered at Dispur Police Station under Case No. 524/26. Authorities said the accused have been booked for allegedly violating rules related to defacing public property.
Officials also stated that the painting was considered a violation of the state government’s directives prohibiting unauthorised writing, painting, or artwork on public and government-owned structures. Investigators have begun the legal process in accordance with applicable laws.
Painting on Public Property Requires Permission
Guwahati Police reiterated that no person is permitted to paint, write, or display artwork on public or government property without prior approval from the competent authority.
Officials stressed that the regulations are intended to protect public infrastructure from unauthorised defacement while ensuring that artistic activities in public spaces are carried out through proper legal channels.
They added that enforcement of these rules applies uniformly regardless of the nature or message of the artwork.
Police Clarify Detention Procedure
Authorities clarified that the two youths were detained as part of the legal process and would be released after being served notices directing them to appear before the investigating officer, in accordance with the law.
Police emphasised that the matter would proceed through normal legal procedures, with further investigation continuing under the registered case.
Separate Probe into Similar Artwork
Police also revealed that a separate case has been registered at Basistha Police Station in connection with paintings found beneath the Basistha Flyover. Officials said efforts are underway to identify those responsible for that artwork as well.
Investigators indicated that similar action would be taken if any unauthorised painting or defacement of public property is found during the ongoing inquiry.
Public Art and Civic Regulations
The incident has once again brought attention to the balance between artistic expression and civic regulations governing public spaces. While murals and public art often become a medium for social and political expression, authorities maintain that any artwork on government property must comply with existing legal requirements.
Police said obtaining prior permission remains mandatory for any painting or artistic installation on public infrastructure, regardless of its purpose or message.
Investigation Continues
The investigation into the incident is continuing, with police examining all relevant aspects of the case. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to protecting public property while enforcing existing laws uniformly.
As legal proceedings move forward, the incident has sparked discussion over the use of public spaces for artistic expression and the need to comply with civic regulations. Officials have urged citizens and artists to obtain the necessary permissions before undertaking any work on public or government-owned property to avoid legal action.