Assam CM Says Ambulance Was Halted Only Briefly, Denies Link to Patient’s Death

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday asserted that the death of a critically ill patient at Silchar Medical College and Hospital had no connection with an ambulance being briefly stopped to allow his convoy to pass.

Speaking on the controversy, Sarma said the ambulance carrying the patient was halted for no more than 30 seconds and maintained that the patient, who was suffering from a liver-related ailment, did not die because of the brief delay.

The issue sparked widespread outrage after Rasuraj Chakraborty, a resident of Bangar in Sribhumi district, died at Silchar Medical College and Hospital on the morning of October 1. Chakraborty had reportedly been brought to the hospital from Sribhumi after his health condition turned critical.

According to reports, the 108 ambulance transporting Chakraborty was stopped by police at the Ramnagar ISBT point in Silchar to facilitate the movement of the Chief Minister’s convoy. Videos of the ambulance being held up later surfaced on social media, drawing sharp criticism and raising concerns over the prioritisation of VIP movement over emergency services.

Responding to the backlash, Sarma said he personally does not favour travelling in convoys and that such arrangements are generally made by district administrations and police authorities.

The Chief Minister also stated that neither ambulances nor ordinary commuters should be stopped to allow a convoy to pass, reiterating that emergency vehicles must always receive priority.

Following public criticism, Sarma had issued an apology on social media. Meanwhile, Cachar Police suspended four personnel in connection with the incident.

The episode has reignited debate over VIP movement protocols and traffic management, particularly regarding the treatment of ambulances and other emergency vehicles during high-security movements.