'Get Him Tonight Itself': Himanta Biswa Sarma Orders Arrest Of Assam Policeman Over Alleged Polygamy

Published 19 July 2026 · india

'Get Him Tonight Itself': Himanta Biswa Sarma Orders Arrest Of Assam Policeman Over Alleged Polygamy Published By, Last Updated: July 19, 2026, 07:14 IST Assam

'Get Him Tonight Itself': Himanta Biswa Sarma Orders Arrest Of Assam Policeman Over Alleged Polygamy Published By, Last Updated: July 19, 2026, 07:14 IST Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, who was interacting with members of the public during a grievance-hearing programme, took serious note of the complaint. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma (Image Credit: PTI) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma issued a firm directive for the immediate arrest of a serving Assam Police personnel after a woman alleged that her husband had married another woman and was threatening to divorce her. The Chief Minister, who was interacting with members of the public during a grievance-hearing programme, took serious note of the complaint. After hearing the woman’s allegations, Himanta Biswa Sarma instructed officials present to act without delay.

“Arrest him. Get him tonight itself," the Chief Minister said, signalling zero tolerance towards alleged violations of the law, particularly by government employees. The accused is reportedly a serving member of the Assam Police. Authorities have not yet disclosed further details about the case or the status of the police action. The incident comes at a time when the Assam government is intensifying its campaign against polygamy through a combination of legal, administrative and economic measures. Just days earlier, during the 2026–27 Assam Budget Session, the state government unveiled a series of proposals aimed at discouraging the practice. Presenting the budget, Assam Finance Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah announced that men found practising polygamy would be barred from receiving benefits under notified state welfare schemes.

The government also proposed amendments to the Assam Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1964, under which government employees involved in polygamous marriages could face dismissal from service. Officials said the measures are intended to strengthen women’s rights and promote gender justice while ensuring greater accountability among public servants. The proposals complement the Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill, 2025, which criminalised the practice and provides for punishment of up to seven years’ imprisonment, except in areas governed under the Sixth Schedule. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Key Questions Answered What are the penalties for polygamy in Assam? The Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill, 2025, criminalizes polygamy and provides for up to seven years imprisonment, except in areas under the Sixth Schedule.