56-year-old Muslim dies in Assam detention centre
Guwahati: A 56-year-old Muslim man died in detention in BJP-ruled Assam.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the deceased, Amzad Ali of Bengali origin, died in custody months after his arrest during a crackdown on individuals declared ‘foreigners’. He was a resident of Rowmari village in Barpeta district and had been held at the Matia detention centre since May.
Ali was diagnosed with cancer on August 11 while still in custody. Despite a plea from his cousin Abdul Jalil for his release to allow proper medical treatment, authorities declined the request, Observer Post reported.
He is survived by his mother, wife, three sons, and four daughters. His death is the second reported at the Matia detention centre this year. In April, 42-year-old Muhammad Abdul Motlib also died while in custody.
Government data shows that 31 people declared “illegal foreigners” have died in Assam’s detention centres between 2015 and 2022.
The Matia centre, India’s largest detention facility, has faced repeated criticism. In 2024, the Supreme Court described its conditions as “far from satisfactory” and ordered improvements, citing deficiencies in water supply, toilets, food quality, and healthcare. The centre became operational in January 2023 and, as of September 18, 2024, housed 274 inmates.
Ali’s death comes amid ongoing arrests in Assam, where several Muslims from districts including Golaghat, Dhubri, Barpeta, and Cachar have been detained after being declared foreigners by tribunals.
