The question had originally been directed at Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who holds the Home portfolio, but was answered by Hazarika in Sarma's absence. The Chief Minister is in New Delhi and is expected to return on Tuesday morning.

The clash began after the Sivasagar MLA raised concerns over the alleged non-registration of FIRs despite complaints being lodged at police stations across the state.

Gogoi alleged that the government is deliberately keeping FIR registration figures low to project a lower crime rate in official records.

"The government has been doing this to ensure that fewer cases are reflected in National Crime Records Bureau data. The replies to the questions I raised have been provided in a minimal manner," Gogoi said during the proceedings.

Gogoi had sought detailed data from the government, including the number of General Diary entries recorded at Assam police stations between July 1, 2024 and June 30, 2026, the number of cases that underwent preliminary inquiry, how many were converted into FIRs, the number involving medical examinations, and the annual gap between GD entries and FIR registrations.

He alleged that both the Chief Minister and Hazarika are attempting to avoid answering his questions, a claim that triggered sharp objections from the treasury benches.

Responding, Hazarika pointed to the cases registered against Gogoi himself.

"There are 32 cases registered against Akhil Gogoi in different police stations across Assam. Yet he claims that all of them are fake cases," the minister said, also alleging discrepancies in Gogoi's election disclosures.

"According to government data, Gogoi has 32 cases registered against him, but he mentioned only 21 cases in his election affidavit. Wrong information was furnished and we will take up the matter legally," Hazarika added.

As the exchange intensified, Speaker Ranjeet Kumar Dass intervened and directed that Gogoi's remarks suggesting the Chief Minister was evading answers be expunged from the Assembly records.

"We withdraw the claims from the Assembly proceedings. The Chief Minister may remain absent from the House due to various parliamentary and official engagements," the Speaker observed.

Explaining the government's position, Hazarika said provisions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita allow police officers to conduct preliminary scrutiny of complaints that appear non-cognisable or suspected to be malicious.

"Many individuals file false cases to harass innocent people. Therefore, under the BNS, if the officer in charge of a police station believes that a complaint is non-cognisable or malicious in nature, permission from the DSP is required before any inquiry can proceed," he said, adding that a preliminary inquiry is completed within 14 days of DSP approval, with an FIR registered only if a cognisable offence is established.

Hazarika also clarified the distinction between GD entries and FIRs, noting that every incident is recorded in the GD within 24 hours of being reported, though not every entry results in an FIR, and that the entire system has now been digitised.

He said complainants who feel their cases have been unfairly ignored can approach the Superintendent of Police or seek legal remedies through the courts.

The exchange set a combative tone for the opening day of the Budget Session, with opposition members pressing the government on accountability during the first Question Hour of the sitting.