Full Breakdown
Police Seek Search Warrants for Journalist Tongam Rina Over Oct. 23 Pasighat Violence
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In this breakdown
01
Core Event
On October 23 2026, clashes erupted in Pasighat, Arunachal Pradesh, during protests against the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP). The Arunachal Pradesh Police filed an application on October 27 2026 under Section 96 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, seeking search warrants for the residences of senior journalist Tongam Rina, advocate Sunny Tayeng, activist Tajong Talom, and youth leader Otul Jerang. The application alleges that clothing, mobile phones, digital devices, photographs and videos related to the offences may be found at the premises. The chief judicial magistrate has not yet issued an order.
02
Background & Context
The SUMP, a 12,500-megawatt hydro-power scheme proposed by NITI Aayog in 2017, would be built by NHPC. Local communities have opposed it, citing displacement of 27 villages along the Siang River. Protests on October 23 turned violent, with stone-pelting, arson of the NHPC office, police vehicles and the Pasighat police station, and the ransacking of homes belonging to senior BJP officials.
Visual evidence
Images from the story
03
Data & Statistics
- 69 persons were arrested in connection with the unrest; four remain in judicial custody (Jerang, Talom, Tayeng, and activist Ebo Mili).
- The police application lists seizure of clothing allegedly worn during the incident, mobile phones, digital devices, photographs and video recordings.
- The SUMP is projected to generate 12,500 MW of electricity.
04
Official Statements & Responses
The Arunachal Press Club (APC) and the Arunachal Pradesh Union of Working Journalists (APUWJ) issued a joint statement on October 29 2026 demanding an explanation for Rina’s inclusion and warning against misuse of investigative powers. Police documents filed by Sub-Inspectors Kodak Daguim and Kodak Bagra assert “reasonable suspicion” that relevant material may be found at the named premises but provide no specific evidence linking Rina or the others to the offences.
05
Criticism & Opposition
Media bodies view the warrant request as a threat to press freedom. Advocate Sunny Tayeng, representing local activists, warned that the investigation could compromise lawyer-client confidentiality and emphasized the need for a lawful basis for any search.
06
On-the-Ground Reports
Eyewitnesses say the protest turned chaotic after police deployed stun grenades and tear gas. Activist Ebo Mili alleged that the police response triggered panic, leading to stone-pelting, arson and the burning of the NHPC office and police vehicles, as well as the ransacking of homes belonging to senior BJP officials.
07
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The police application cites “reasonable suspicion” but does not disclose concrete evidence tying Rina to the alleged offences. No court order for the warrants has been issued, and the magistrate’s decision remains pending. While the application references provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, the specific factual basis for suspecting Rina’s involvement is absent from the public record.
08
What’s Next
The chief judicial magistrate’s decision on the warrant application has not been announced. Media organisations have called for an urgent review of Rina’s inclusion and corrective action if the grounds are found unjustified. The investigation into the Oct. 23 violence continues, with authorities stating that further searches may be conducted pending judicial approval.