Archive · 19 Jul 2026
Students Detained for Painting Wangchuk Mural
Two students in Guwahati were caught painting a picture of an environmentalist named Sonam Wangchuk on a government wall.
They were not allowed to do this because the government says you need permission to paint on public property.
The students said they did it on their own, but the police gave them a warning and said they might still face legal action.
The government wants to stop people from painting on public structures without asking first.
Meanwhile, other students protested in support of Sonam Wangchuk, demanding better education reforms and a better future for students.
Two students, Nukul Mili and Gaurav Singh, were detained for painting a mural of Sonam Wangchuk on a government flyover pillar without permission.
The students claimed they acted independently to honor Wangchuk, while the government views it as unauthorized defacement of public property.
Police issued a warning and will release the students, but legal proceedings will continue under FIR No. 524/26 at Dispur Police Station.
The Assam government has prohibited unauthorized murals, graffiti, and paintings on public structures.
The mural drew widespread attention after photographs circulated on social media, and separate cases have been registered for similar incidents.
- Who
- Two students, Nukul Mili and Gaurav Singh, from Guwahati and Dibrugarh.
- What
- They were detained for painting a mural of environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk on a government flyover pillar without permission.
- When
- The incident occurred on July 18.
- Where
- The mural was painted near Tribeni Path, close to the Jyoti-Bishnu Cultural Complex in Guwahati.
- Why
- The students claimed they painted the mural independently to honor Sonam Wangchuk, but the government views it as unauthorized defacement of public property.
Students' Perspective
Government's Perspective
Motivation for Painting
Students' Perspective
The students claimed they painted the mural independently to honor Sonam Wangchuk.
Government's Perspective
The government views the act as unauthorized defacement of public property.
Public Art Regulations
Students' Perspective
The students may argue for more freedom in public art expressions.
Government's Perspective
The government emphasizes the need for prior approval to maintain city aesthetics and prevent unauthorized defacement.
- Date of Incident
- July 18
- Location
- Tribeni Path, Guwahati
- Students Involved
- Nukul Mili and Gaurav Singh
- Action Taken
- Issued a warning and released
- Government Directive
- Prohibition of unauthorized murals, graffiti, and paintings on public structures
- FIR Number
- 524/26
- Police Station
- Dispur Police Station
Sources
Students held over Wangchuk mural to walk free with warning: Guwahati police
Sonam Wangchuk murals lead to 2 arrests and police scrutiny in Guwahati
Guwahati : Two Youths Detained For Painting Sonam Wangchuk Portrait On Public Wall
2 Arrested For Painting Sonam Wangchuk's Portrait In Guwahati
