Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has issued an apology to a patient and his relatives after an ambulance was held up by police for his convoy to pass in Silchar. Calling the incident “unacceptable”, the Chief Minister said no VIP movement should take priority over someone in need of urgent medical care.

Update: As per a reputed report, the patient whose ambulance was stopped for CM convoy has reportedly died.

Apology Comes After Social Media Highlighted the Matter

Yesterday, many social posts on X shared a video showing the CM’s convoy being allowed to move despite an ambulance waiting. The video sparked outrage amongst the netizens. It begs the question whether such strict measures would have been taken if the matter had not been highlighted on social media.

Sarma was in Silchar on 30th September 2026, when the incident occurred. He posted the apology on X, stating it was a matter of his instructions to officials being ignored regarding avoiding inconvenience to the public during the movement of VIPs.

“Today in Silchar, an ambulance was halted to make way for my convoy. This is unacceptable, and I apologise to the patient and their family.

No Chief Minister’s passage should EVER take precedence over a life in need of urgent care.

My directions that VIP movement must not disrupt ordinary citizens have been clear. That they were not implemented is deeply troubling.

I have asked the concerned officials to take firm action against those responsible and to constitute an inquiry.

Let this be a clear warning: the directives on the CM’s convoy shall be enforced in letter and spirit. Anyone found violating it will face strict consequences.” wrote Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma on his Twitter

Himanta Biswa Sarma Orders Inquiry, Promises Strict Action

Sarma had urged the concerned officials to take stern action on the perpetrators and investigate the incident in his statement. He added that any person violating the rules regarding the convoy of the Chief Minister would have to face strict action.

The Chief Minister urged that his convoy should not be a hindrance to the emergency medical services. His apology came after reports emerged that the ambulance had been held back to make way for his vehicles.

Four Police Personnel Suspended After the Incident

After the CM’s apology tweet went viral, the DGP of Assam replied that the culprit officials have been suspended for the act. They were suspended over alleged negligence while the matter is examined, according to reports by PTI and other news outlets. 

“As directed, immediate action has been taken, and the errant officials suspended.

Instructions have been reiterated to ensure that such an incident does not recur.” wrote the Assam DGP

Assam CM is probably one of the few or even the first CM in India who has issued apology to the family for such incident.

In India, it is quite common to see traffic halt and even ambulance halts for the VIP convoy to pass.

The episode has brought back the issue of VIP convoy arrangements and ensuring that roads are kept clear for emergency vehicles.

While security and traffic management are part of official visits, the incident has highlighted the importance of ensuring that patients are not made to wait for a convoy to pass.

Sarma has said that responsibility will be fixed through the inquiry and that the rules must be followed strictly in the future.