GANGTOK, SIKKIM: Ashish Rai, 42, president of the All Sikkim Drivers Welfare Council, remains hospitalized after being attacked by masked assailants at his Gangtok residence late Tuesday night. Medical reports confirm multiple skull fractures and severe knee injuries.
The attack occurred at approximately 11:30 PM when three unidentified men forced entry into Rai’s rented apartment in the Rongey neighbourhood. Neighbours reported hearing shouts before finding Rai unconscious in a pool of blood.
Who is Ashish Rai?
Rai, a former taxi driver turned labour organizer, represents over 18,000 commercial drivers across Sikkim. His council has led multiple protests since 2020, including:
- 2021 highway blockade demanding better road maintenance
- 2022 strike against rising fuel prices
- Ongoing campaign for driver pension benefits
“Ashish became the voice we never had,” said fellow driver Prakash Chettri. “When officials ignored our complaints, he made them listen.”
Political Fallout: CAP Points Finger at Ruling Party
The Citizen Action Party (CAP), with which Rai is affiliated, released a fiery statement within hours of the attack:
“This was no random crime. The precision of the attack – targeting his head and knees – shows clear intent to silence a critic of the SKM government permanently.”
Key facts about the political landscape:
- Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) holds all 32 assembly seats
- CAP is the primary opposition, with no legislative representation
- BJP made its first electoral foray into Sikkim in 2023
SKM spokesperson Indra Sharma dismissed the allegations: “We condemn all violence. Let the police investigate before making wild accusations.”
Police Investigation: What We Know
Gangtok SP Rajiv Verma confirmed:
- No arrests have been made as of [05-05-2025]
- CCTV footage from nearby shops is being analyzed
- Motive remains unclear
However, sources reveal two critical details:
- Rai received death threats via WhatsApp one week prior
- His latest petition against road contractor corruption was due for hearing next week
Historical Context: Violence in Sikkim Politics
This isn’t the first attack on activists in the state:
YearIncidentOutcome
2019 SDF office vandalized, no convictions
In 2021, a Student leader was assaulted. Case pending
2023 CAP member’s home firebombed, one arrest
Political science professor Dr. Anjali Mukherjee notes: “The pattern suggests impunity for attacks on government critics.”
Economic Factors: Why Drivers Are Angry
The attack comes amid growing frustration in Sikkim’s transport sector:
- 73% of state roads rated “poor” by the Central Road Research Institute
- Diesel prices have increased by 22% since 2022
- 15 driver fatalities in 2023 due to road conditions
Rai’s council had planned a major protest for next month, demanding infrastructure improvements.
What Happens Next?
- Legal Action: CAP has filed a PIL seeking a CBI investigation
- Public Response: Drivers threaten indefinite strike starting Monday
- Medical Update: Rai remains in the ICU with a guarded prognosis
The National Human Rights Commission has taken suo motu cognizance of the Case.
Why This Matters Beyond Sikkim
The attack raises questions about the following:
- Safety of grassroots activists nationwide
- One-party dominance in small states
- Effectiveness of witness protection programs
As Sunita Rai (no relation), a local shopkeeper, put it: “If they can do this to a leader, what hope do common people have?”
