Two held in Guwahati over unauthorised portrait of Sonam Wangchuk in a public space

Guwahati Police have detained two individuals for allegedly painting portraits of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk at public locations without prior permission from the authorities. The action followed the registration of a case at Dispur Police Station after the portraits appeared beneath the Basistha flyover and near the Jyoti-Bishnu International Art Theatre. Authorities said the artwork was created on public property without the required approvals.

The two individuals have been identified as Nakul Mili of Dibrugarh and Gaurav Singh of Guwahati. Police said they are investigating the circumstances surrounding the paintings and whether any legal provisions governing defacement of public property were violated.

Officials also confirmed that another case has been registered regarding a separate portrait of Wangchuk, and efforts are underway to identify those involved.

The incident comes amid nationwide attention on Wangchuk's ongoing protest and recent hospitalisation following an extended hunger strike. Police have stated that the investigation is continuing and that further action, if any, will depend on the findings of the probe.