Assam Chief Minister apologizes and orders probe after ambulance halted for his convoy in Silchar
Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the stopping of an ambulance for his convoy was unacceptable, apologized to the patient’s family, and launched an inquiry.
After an ambulance was forced to stop to clear the way for the chief minister’s convoy in Silchar, Himanta Biswa Sarma declared the incident unacceptable and apologized to the patient and their relatives. He announced that officials who allowed the obstruction would face firm disciplinary measures and that a probe would be opened. The chief minister’s office issued a directive to all district commissioners and senior superintendents of police to guarantee that ambulances, fire tenders and other emergency services are never impeded by VIP carriages.
The order also permits pausing the convoy if needed to let emergency vehicles pass. Following the incident, four police personnel were suspended for alleged negligence. Sarma emphasized that the new instructions must be applied in both letter and spirit.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the tension between VIP security protocols and the need to protect emergency medical services.
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